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HEARING 


BEFORE  A 


SUBCOMMITTEE  OF  THE 
MMITTEE  ON  FOREIGN  RELATIONS 

UNITED  STATES  SENATE 


SIXTY-SECOND  CONGRESS 

SECOND  SESSION 

PURSUANT  TO 

I;      •         S.  RES.  885 

A  RESOLUTION  AUTHORIZING  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  FOREIGN 

RELATIONS  TO  INVESTIGATE  AS  TO  THE  ALLEGED 

INVASION   OF   NICARAGUA  BY  ARMED 

SAILORS    AND    MARINES    OF 

THE  UNITED  STATES 


WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 
1913 


SUBCOMMITTEE  OF  COMMITTEE  ON  FOREIGN  RELATIONS. 

UNITED  STATES  SENATE. 

HENRY  CABOT  LODGE,  Massachusetts,  Chairman. 

GEORGE  SUTHERLAND,  Utah.  THEODORE  E.  BURTON,  Ohio 

AGUSTUS  O.  BACON,  Georgia.  JAMES  P.  CLARK,  Arkansas. 

2 


NICARAGUAN  APFAIES. 


EL  PASO,  TEX.,  Tuesday  October  8,  1912. 

The  subcommittee  met  at  3  o'clock  p.  m. 

Present:  Senator  Fall. 

Present  also:  Mr.  Fenton  R.  McCreery. 

Senator  FALL.  This  testimony  is  taken  under  authority  of  Senate 
resolution  385,  which  is  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations,  or  a  subcom- 
mittee thereof,  authorized  and  appointed  under  S.  Res.  335,  passed 
July  twenty-sixth,  nineteen  hundred  and  twelve,  to  make  certain 
investigations  and  report  concerning  influences  connected  with  or 
inciting  rebellion,  insurrections,  or  disorders  in  Cuba  and  Mexico,  be, 
and  it  is  hereby,  authorized  and  directed  by  said  committee,  or  a 
subcommittee  appointed  or  to  be  appointed,  to  further  inquire, 
investigate,  ascertain,  and  report  as  to  the  alleged  invasion  of  the 
Republic  of  Nicaragua  by  the  armed  sailors  and  marines  of  the  Navy 
of  the  United  States  during  the  month  of  August,  nineteen  hundred 
and  twelve,  or  at  any  other  time  preceding  or  subsequent  thereto 
during  said  year;  and  particularly  to  investigate  and  report  to  the 
Senate— 

First.  Under  what  authority  of  law  and  by  the  orders  of  what 
official  of  the  United  States  said  armed  sailors  and  marines  were  at 
any  time  during  said  year  ordered  to  invade  the  territory  of  the 
Republic  of  Nicaragua. 

Second.  What  armed  officers  and  sailors  and  marines  of  the  Navy 
and  Marine  Corps  were  under  said  orders  sent  into  the  territory  of  the 
Republic  of  Nicaragua. 

Third.  What  orders  were  issued  to  said  forces  of  the  Navy  and 
Marine  Corps  to  be  executed  by  the  same  in  the  Republic  of  Nica- 
ragua, and  what  was  done  within  the  period  named  in  pursuance 
thereof,  and  particularly  what  military  operations  were  carried  on 
within  the  Republic  of  Nicaragua  by  said  forces  in  pursuance  of  said 
orders  or  otherwise. 

Fourth.  The  said  committee  or  subcommittee  is  further  directed 
to  investigate  and  report  to  the  Senate  what  citizen  of  the  United 
States  or  other  person  or  persons  are  now  or  have  been  during  said 
year  assuming  to  collect  customs  in  Nicaragua,  and  assuming  to  be 
American  customs  officials,  and  particularly  by  whom  said  collector 
of  customs  has  been  appointed,  by  whose  instigation,  and  the  author- 
ity assumed  to  be  exercised  by  said  alleged  American  customs 
officials  and  all  the  acting  and  doings  of  the  same  under  any  authority, 
actual  or  assumed. 

Resolved  further,  That  all  the  powers  and  authority  conferred  upon 
said  committee  or  subcommittee  by  the  said  original  S.  Res.  335  of 
July  twenty-sixth,  nineteen  hundred  and  twelve,  be,  and  the  same 
are  hereby,  conferred  upon  said  committee  or  subcommittee  in  making 
the  additional  investigation  and  report  herein  authorized  and 
directed. 

3 


4  NICARAGUA^    AFFAIRS. 

Senator  FALL.  Senate  resolution  335  is  the  resolution  under  which 
Senators  Smith  of  Michigan,  McCumber,  Borah,  Shively,  Hitchcock, 
and  myself  have  been  authorized  to  investigate  Mexican  and  Cuban 
affairs.  The  following  telegrams  will  be  inserted  in  this  record,  as 
the  authority  for  taking  the  testimony  of  Mr.  Leets  here  to-day: 

EL  PASO,  TEX.,  October  1,  1912. 
Senator  HENRY  CABOT  LODGE, 

Boston,  Mass.: 

Following  lettergram  addressed  to  me  just  received  from  Juan  Leetz,  New  Orleans, 
La. :  "  In  compliance  with  the  recent  resolution  of  the  United  States  Senate  authorizing 
an  investigation  to  determine  the  persons  responsible  for  fomenting  revolutions  in, 
Nicarauga,  Mexico,  and  Cuba,  and  to  investigate  the  activity  of  American  diplomatic 
agents  and  marines  in  Nicaraugua,  I  have  just  arrived  in  the  United  States  for  the  pur- 
pose of  presenting  to  your  honorable  committee  certain  important  facts  and  documents 
relating  to  the  Nicaraugan  matter.  Many  of  the  documents  I  have  are  official  and 
embrace  correspondence  between  United  States  and  Nicaraugan  officials  not  heretofore 
made  known  in  this  country.  I  await  the  pleasure  of  the  committee."  If  your  com- 
mittee not  prepared  to  take  testimony  and  you  desire  I  can  wire  Leetz  meet  me  here 
or  San  Antonio  and  secure  his  statement  under  oath  and  forward  same  to  you.  Senator 
Smith  and  myself  still  actively  engaged  in  hearings  regarding  Mexican  affairs. 

ALBERT  B.  FALL. 

NAHANT,  MASS.,  October  2,  1912. 
Senator  ALBERT  B.  FALL, 

El  Paso,  Tex.: 

Telegram  received.  Impossible  to  get  our  committee  together.  Should  be  very 
glad  if  you  would  wire  Leetz  to  meet  you  and  take  his  statement  under  oath.  Our 
committee  will  not  meet  before  the  beginning  of  the  session. 

H.  C.  LODGE. 
TESTIMONY  OF  JUAN  LEETS. 

[Fenton  R.  McCreery,  interpreter.] 

Juan  Leets,  being  first  duly  sworn  by  Senator  Fall,  testified  as 
follows : 

Senator  FALL.  Of  what  country  are  you  a  citizen  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  was  born  in  Russia,  but  since  young  boyhood  I  have 
been  living  in  Central  America.  I  have  held  different  high  positions  in 
Nicaragua,  and  am  considered  a  Nicaraguan. 

Senator  FALL.  You  have  held  governmental  positions  under  the 
Nicaraguan  Government,  have  you  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  More  than  once  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Twice.  Under  Zelaya  I  was  appointed  as  chief  of  all 
the  customs,  as  the  delegate  of  the  Government  on  the  Atlantic  coast, 
and  at  another  time  I  was  chief  of  police  of  the  Republic. 

Senator  FALL.  Have  you  the  original  documents  certifying  to  your 
official  appointments,  to  which  you  have  referred  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  I  have  them. 

Senator  FALL.  Let  me  see  them,  if  you  please.  This  first  instru- 
ment which  you  hand  me  is  in  Spanish,  signed  by  J.  S.  Zelaya,  dated 
Managua,  November  19,  1908,  certifying  that  Juan  Leets  is  inspector 
general  of  the  customhouses  of  the  Republic. 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  The  second  instrument  is  a  certificate  executed  in 
the  City  of  Mexico  on  the  5th  of  April,  1911,  certifying  to  the  employ- 
ment of  Mr.  Leets,  and  signed  by  J.  Madriz. 

Mr.  LEETS.  The  original  certificate  of  my  employment  was  at  the 
time  in  the  department  of  the  interior  of  Nicaragua,  at  Managua,  and 


NICABAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  5 

Mr.  Madriz  was  temporarily  in  the  City  of  Mexico,  Republic  of  Mexico, 
at  the  time  when  this  last  certificate  was  given. 

The  documents  referred  to  are  as  follows: 

PRESIDENCIA  Y  COMANDANCIA  GENERAL, 

NICARAGUA. 

El  portador  de  la  presente,  don  Juan  Leets,  inspector  general  de 
las  aduanas  de  la  Republica,  va  a  la  cost  a  Atlantica  como  delegado 
del  Gobierno  y  en  ejercico  de  su  cargo. 

En  tal  virtue!  se  order  a  a  las  autoridades  civiles  y  militares  de  toda 
esa  circunscripcion  territorial,  presten  al  expresado  sefior  las  facili- 
dades  y  el  apoyo  que  necesite  para  el  mejor  exito  de  la  mision  que 
lleva  y  para  la  mayor  eficacia  de  sus  disposiciones.  Especialmente 
se  ordena  a  los  jefes  de  aduana  y  subtesoreros  entreguen  a  al  sefior 
delegado  las  cantidades  de  dinero  que  les  pida,  percibiendo  el  corres- 
pondiente  recibo  y  dando  aviso  al  ministerio  del  ramo ;  y  a  las  autori- 
dades militares  que  le  presten  el  auxilio  de  la  fuerza  publica  en  la 
forma  que  el  lo  requiera. 

Managua,  19  de  noviembre  de  1908. 

J.  S.  ZELAYA. 

[SEAL.]     REPUBLICA  DE  NICARAGUA, 

COMMANDANCIA    GENERAL   DEL    fijERCITO. 

[Translation.] 

LETTER  GIVEN  TO  INSPECTOR  GENERAL  OF  CUSTOMS  JUAN  LEETZ  BY 
PRESIDENT  J.  S.  ZELAYA. 

OFFICE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT  AND  MILITARY  COMMANDER, 

NICARAGUA. 

The  bearer  of  this  letter,  Mr.  Juan  Leetz,  inspector  general  of 
customs  of  the  Republic,  is  proceeding  to  the  Atlantic  coast  as  dele- 
gate of  the  Government  in  the  exercise  of  his  functions. 

All  civil  and  military  authorities  within  these  territorial  limits  are 
ordered  to  lend  to  the  said  gentleman  such  facilities  and  assistance  as 
he  'may  require  to  accomplish  his  mission  and  make  effective  his 
instructions. 

Collectors  of  customs  and  subtreasurers  are  especially  ordered  to 
deliver  to  said  delegate  the  sums  of  money  he  may  ask,  taking  the 
corresponding  receipt  and  advising  the  corresponding  department; 
and  the  military  authorities  to  lend  the  assistance  of  their  forces  in 
such  manner  as  he  may  require. 
Managua,  November  19,  1908. 

J.  S.  ZELAYA. 
REPUBLIC  OF  NICARAGUA. 
[SEAL.] 

HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  COMMANDER  OF  THE  ARMY. 

[Translation.] 

Jose  Madriz.  J'  MADRIZ  TO  JUAN  LEETZ' 

'•°-b°x1878-  MEXICO,  April  5,  1911. 

Mr.  JUAN  LEETS,  Present. 

MY  DISTINGUISHED  FRIEND:  I  am  glad  to  make  known  by  this 
letter  that  I  have  known  you  well  for  many  years,  that  I  have  had 
the  pleasure  of  dealing  with  you  as  a  client  and  as  a  friend,  and  that 


6  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

by  reason  of  your  honesty,  devotion  to  work,  and  sterling  personal 
qualities  you  are  entitled  to  my  most  hearty  recommendation.  You 
were  also  an  employee  of  the  Government  over  which  I  had  had  the 
honor  to  preside  in  Nicaragua,  and  in  the  exercise  of  your  functions 
you  were  loyal,  obedient  to  instructions,  and  truly  patriotic. 

You  may  make  of  this  letter, whatever  use  you  desire,  and  should 
you  need  further  references  I  beg  that  you  will  inform  me,  for  I  desire 
to  serve  you. 

With  my  especial  consideration,  I  am, 
Your  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 

J.  MADRIZ. 


J.    MADRIZ    TO   JUAN   LEETZ. 

[Copy.] 

Jose  Madriz. 
Apartado  1878. 

MEXICO,  5  de  abril  de  1911. 
Sr.  Dn.  JUAN  LEETS,  P, 

Mi  DISTINGUIDO  AMIGO:  Es  grato  para  mi  hacer  constar  en  la 
present e  que  conozco  a  Vd.  bien  desde  hace  muchos  afios,  que  he 
tenido  el  gusto  de  tratarlo  como  cliente  y  como  amigo,  y  que  por  su 
honradez,  dedicacion  al  trabajo  y  buenas  prendas  personales,  que  he 
tenido  ocasion  de  apreciar,  es  U.  una  persona  que  merece  mi  mas 
amplia  recomendacion,  asimismo  fue  U.  empleado  publico  del 
Gobierno  que  tuve  la  honra  de  presidir  en  Nicaragua  y  en  el  ejercicio 
de  sus  destines  U.  se  condujo  con  lealtad,  desciplina  y  verdedero 
patriotismo. 

Puede  U.  hacer  de  esta  cart  a  el  uso  que  le  convenga,  y  si  necesitare 
de  mayores  referencias  sirvase  indicarmelo,  que  estoy  a  sus  ordenes. 

Con  mi  especial  consideracion,  soy  de  U.  afmo.  amigo  y  S. 

J.  MADRIZ. 

Senator  FALL.  During  what  period  of  time  were  you  employed 
under  the  Zelaya  Government  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  A  little  over  one  year. 

Senator  FALL.  During  what  period  of  time  were  you  employed 
under  the  Madriz  administration  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  As  soon  as  Zelaya  got  out  of  power  I  put  in  my  resig- 
nation, which  was  accepted,  and  I  was  without  employment  for  15 
days.  Then  I  was  called  over  again  by  President  Madriz  and  asked 
to  take  charge  of  all  the  police  of  the  Republic. 

Senator  FALL.  How  long  did  you  continue  in  that  position  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  During  all  the  time  Dr.  Madriz  was  president,  until  he 
left. 

Senator  FALL.  When  did  President  Madriz  leave  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  On  the  20th  of  August,  1910. 

Senator  FALL.  1910  or  1911? 

Mr.  LEETS.  1910. 

Senator  FALL.  This  certificate  which  was  given  to  you  by  President 
Madriz — 

Mr.  LEETS.  That  was  one  year  later. 


NICAEAGUA1ST   AFFAIRS.  7 

Senator  FALL.  It  was  simply  a  certificate  to  the  effect  that  you 
had  been  employed. 

Mr.  LEETS.  A  statement  of  my  official  position,  to  show  that  I 
have  a  good  reputation,  if  I  want  any  other  employment. 

Senator  FALL.  What  is  your  title  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  have  in  Nicaragua  the  military  rank  of  a  general. 

Senator  FALL.  How  long  did  you  say  you  lived  in  Nicaragua? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  have  been  living  there  and  made  my  home  for  26 
years  in  Central  America.  I  was  married  there. 

Senator  FALL.  You  understand  the  object  of  this  examination, 
and  the  power  which  is  possessed  by  the  committee  appointed  by  the 
Senate  to  make  this  examination,  do  you  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  You  have  requested  to  be  allowed  to  come  before 
the  committee  and  make  a  statement  as  to  Nicaraguan  affairs  gen- 
erally, and  I  would  prefer  that  you  proceed  in  your  own  language  to 
make  a  statement  in  narrative  form.  When  you  have  any  docu- 
ments which  you  wish  to  present  to  the  committee,  please  do  so. 

Mr.  LEETS.  What  I  wish  to  demonstrate  is  that  during  the  time 
Madriz  was  president  of  Nicaragua  he  was  accepted  by  the  whole 
people,  and  that  his  government  was  a  good  government. 

As  chief  of  the  entire  civil  guard  of  Nicaragua  during  the  adminis- 
tration of  President  Madriz  I  wish  to  show  from  the  orders  that  he 
gave  to  me  that  he  was  a  man  of  character,  a  just  man,  and  that 
he  governed  wisely. 

Dr.  Madriz  was  called  by  the  entire  Nicaraguan  people  to  defend 
their  rights.  He  was  constitutionally  elected  by  the  congress  that 
accepted  the  resignation  of  Zelaya.  This  same  congress  elected 
Dr.  Madriz. 

When  he  assumed  power,  he  requested  the  revolutionary  forces  to 
enter  into  negotiations  for  peace,  and  I  can  prove  by  documents  that 
the  propositions  which  he  made  were  the  most  just  and  liberal  that 
ever  had  been  made. 

Among  the  documents  by  which  I  can  prove  what  I  have  stated, 
is  a  letter  from  Admiral  Kimball,  in  which  he  states  that  the  govern- 
ment of  President  Madriz  is  a  just  government,  that  he  was  willing 
to  make  liberal  concessions  to  the  revolutionists,  offering  to  pay  afl 
the  expenditures  that  had  been  made  by  the  revolution,  and  to 
recognize  the  military  titles  granted  by  the  revolution,  and  that  he 
would  pay  to  the  military  officers  of  the  revolution  pensions,  or  pro- 
vide for  their  widows  and  children. 

All  of  these  propositions  were  declined  by  the  revolutionists.  The 
revolutionists  proposed  that  Madriz  should  resign  and  that  the  Gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States  should  name  a  person  to  hold  executive 
power  pending  the  election,  which  proposition  Dr.  Madriz  declined, 
on  the  ground  that  it  would  be  unconstitutional. 

At  this  time  the  government  of  Dr.  Madriz  controlled  all  the  depart- 
ments in  every  part  of  the  Republic  except  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  he 
ordered  his  forces  to  the  Atlantic  coast  to  subdue  the  revolution. 

The  forces  of  Dr.  Madriz  occupied  all  the  military  positions  except 
Bluefields  and  Elarama,  and  in  order  to  command  the  coast  President 
Madriz  purchased  an  English  ship  and  sent  it  with  a  ship  which  he 
already  nad  in  the  navy  to  the  Atlantic  ports. 


8  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

The  forces  of  Maclriz  took  Cape  Gracias,  Prince  Polca,  Rio  Grande, 
Laguna  de  Perles,  and  El  Bluff,  which  is  the  key  to  Bluefields,  where 
the  customhouse  is  situated  and  where  the  principal  forces  are 
stationed. 

From  this  customhouse  at  El  Bluff  are  distributed  all  the  provisions 
and  merchandise  destined  for  the  other  ports  which  I  have  mentioned. 
So  there  remained  in  possession  of  the  revolutionists  only  Bluefields, 
which  has  a  population  of  4,000. 

The  Madriz  Government  being  in  possession  of  the  customhouse  at 
El  Bluff,  so  that  neither  arms  nor  ammunition  could  enter  Bluefields, 
it  could  be  said  that  the  revolution  was  practically  suppressed.  Then, 
owing  to  efforts  of  the  American  Navy  and  of  Consul  Moffatt  in  Blue- 
fields,  a  new  customhouse  was  established  in  a  place  where  there  was 
no  customhouse  before,  nor  were  there  any  buildings,  and  this  action 
was  approved  by  the  Department  of  State,  according  to  communica- 
tions from  Secretary  Knox,  as  I  will  show  by  documents. 
Senator  FALL.  Who  established  that  customhouse  ? 
Mr.  LEETS.  That  customhouse  was  established  by  Consul  Moffatt, 
the  American  consul  at  Bluefields,  and  approved  by  Secretary 
Knox,  according  to  documents  which  I  will  present. 

Then  the  warships  of  President  Madriz  ordered  that  all  the  ships 
bringing  in  arms  and  ammunition  and  supplies  for  the  revolutionists 
should  pass  by  the  customhouse  and  register. 

Commander  Gilmer,  of  the  American  war  vessel  Paducali,  sent  a 
communication  to  the  military  commander  of  the  forces  of  Madriz 
that  he  had  no  right  to  register  any  merchant  vessel,  even  although 
it  might  carry  munitions  of  war. 

All  the  merchant  ships  that  came  there  carried  the  Norwegian  flag 
and  belonged  to  the  Bluefields  Steamship  Co.  In  order  to  prove 
that  these  ships  were  American,  when  they  appeared  opposite  El 
Bluff  they  hoisted  the  American  flag,  and  Commander  Gilmer  put 
American  marines  aboard,  and  said  to  the  military  commanders  that 
if  anything  was  done  against  these  ships  it  would  be  considered  as  a 
declaration  of  war  against  the  United  States,  and  that  if  they  used 
force  he  wTould  employ  the  cannon  of  the  United  States  against  the 
ships  of  President  Madriz. 

Senator  FALL.  Was  this  notice  to  the  Madriz  forces  given  by  way 
of  public  notice? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  have  the  written  documents  which  were  exchanged 
between  the  Madriz  commanders  and  the  American  commanders. 
At  the  eame  time  that  the  troops  of  President  Madriz  reached  the 
outskirts  of  Bluefields,  with  the  object  of  taking  the  last  outpost  or 
stronghold  of  the  revolutionary  forces,  the  marines  were  disem- 
barked from  the  American  ships,  with  machine  guns  and  cannon  at 
Bluefields,  and  the  leaders  of  the  Madriz  forces  were  notified  that 
they  could  not  enter  Bluefields. 

Then  President  Madriz  ordered  the  withdrawal  of  his  troops  into 
the  interior,  because  he  would  not,  under  any  circumstances,  fire 
upon  American  troops,  and  he  desired  to  prevent  intervention.  I 
have  copies  of  notes  from  the  Department  of  State,  showing  that 
Dr.  Madriz  notified  the  Government  of  Norway  that  the  port  of 
Bluefields  was  closed.  Then  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
made  an  official  effort  to  convince  the  Government  of  Norway  that 
the  port  of  Bluefields  was  not  closed. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 


The  government  of  Dr.  Madriz  guaranteed  protection  to  the  in- 
terests of  Americans  in  a  firm  and  decided  manner,  as  is  shown  by  a 
large  number  of  orders  to  his  subordinates. 

I  have  many  private  documents;  I  have  letters  from  a  number  of 
high  officials  and  prominent  personages,  showing  that  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  did  not  and  would  not  recognize  the 
government  of  Dr.  Madriz. 

I  suppose,  judging  from  documents  in  the  possession  of  the  Nica- 
raguan  minister  in  Washington,  that  the  government  of  Madriz 
would  not  listen  to  a  proposition  from  Wall  Street  bankers  in  connec- 
tion with  a  loan  such  as  was  made  to  Santo  Domingo;  and  as  at 
this  time  the  revolutionists  Estrada  and  Diaz  did  probably  accept 
these  propositions,  this  was  the  probable  reason  for  the  support  they 
received  from  the  Department  of  State.  Regarding  this  matter 
Mr.  Luis  Felipe  Correa  could  testify.  He  was  the  Nicaraguan  minister 
to  the  United  States  at  that  time. 

Senator  FALL.  Where  is  he  now  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  In  New  York.  And  Francesco  Altschul,  who  was 
Nicaraguan  consul  in  New  Orleans  at  the  time,  could  make  a  state- 
ment regarding  this  matter  —  that  is,  relative  to  the  documents  which 
these  gentlemen  have  possession  of  regarding  the  propositions 
referred  to. 

Dr.  Madriz  turned  over  his  power  to  Jose  Dolores  Estrada  and  left 
Nicaragua,  owing  to  the  intervention  of  the  United  States. 

The  present  revolution  in  Nicaragua  is  a  continuation  of  the  revo- 
lution of  Estrada,  because  the  Dawson  convention  was  made,  in  which 
it  was  provided  that  the  President  of  Nicaragua  should  be  elected 
from  only  five  members  of  the  Conservative  Party,  all  of  whom  were 
revolutionists  against  the  Liberal  government.  Under  this  conven- 
tion no  member  of  the  Liberal  Party  can  be  President,  and  the  Liberals 
compose  a  majority  in  Nicaragua. 

The  persecution  of  the  Liberals  followed,  which  is  shown  by  the 
expulsion  from  the  country  of  a  large  number  of  Liberal  leaders, 
which  is  unconstitutional  in  Nicaragua,  because  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  there  shall  be  free  elections,  and  that  the  majority  shall 
rule,  and  this  was  the  real  reason  why  the  Liberal  Party  has  taken 
up  arms. 

In  order  to  assure  the  continuation  in  power  of  the  Conservatives, 
a  loan  was  contracted  in  the  United  States  under  the  Knox-Castrillo 
convention,  which  convention  has  not  been  approved  by  the  Senate 
of  the  United  States.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  Senate  of 
the  United  States  has  not  approved  this  convention,  the  Department 
of  State  has  proceeded  exactly  as  though  it  had  been  approved. 

Senator  FALL.  One  of  the  provisions  of  that  agreement,  with  refer- 
ence to  the  financing  by  the  American  syndicate  of  Nicaragua,  was 
that  an  official  should  be  appointed,  as  I  understand,  under  the  pro- 
visions of  the  treaty,  who  should  have  authority  to  collect  the  cus- 
toms, and  so  forth,  and  handle  the  income  derived  in  that  way  by 
the  Nicaraguan  Government,  for  the  general  purposes  of  providing 
for  a  sinking  fund  to  take  up  these  bonds,  and  to  pay  the  interest  on 
the  bonds. 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Has  such  an  official  been  appointed  by  any  one? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 


10  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

Senator  FALL.  Do  you  know  by  whom  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  By  the  bankers  who  made  the  loan.  The  chief  man  is 
named  Hamm.  He  is  the  representative  of  the  bankers.  He  is  now 
in  Nicaragua,  managing  the  customhouse.  He  is  also  managing  the 
railroads  and  the  steamships  which  belong  to  the  Xicaraguan  Govern- 
ment. 

Senator  FALL.  How  is  this  man  Hamm  appointed  ?  Who  recog- 
nizes him  ?  Is  he  appointed  by  the  American  syndicate  of  bankers  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  recognized  by  the  Nicaraguan  Government? 

Mr.  LEETS.  The  government  of  Diaz. 

Senator  FALL.  Does  he  claim  to  have  any  authority  from  the 
United  States  Government  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  do  not  know  whether  he  makes  that  claim  or  not.  I 
can  not  say. 

Senator  FALL.  He  is  not  claiming  then  to  represent  the  American 
Government  directly,  or  to  be  authorized  or  empowered  to  act  by  the 
State  Department  of  the  American  Government  ?  He  does  not  make 
that  claim  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  does  not  say  that  he  represents  the  United  States, 
but  he  collects  all  the  Government  revenues. 

Senator  FALL.  Then,  so  far  as  the  Diaz  government  is  concerned, 
the  Diaz  government  is  proceeding  along  the  lines  suggested  or  agreed 
upon  between  the  American  syndicate  capitalists  and  the  Diaz 
Government,  without  reference  to  the  fact  that  the  proposed  treaty, 
which  was  to  embody  the  agreement  between  the  capitalists  and  tne 
Diaz  government,  and  by  which  the  agreement  was  to  be  recognized 
and  enforced  by  the  United  States,  has  not  been  ratified  by  the  Senate 
of  the  United  States  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  The  Diaz  government  and  these  capitalists  all  proceeded 
to  act  just  as  though  the  treaty  had  been  approved  by  the  United 
States. 

Senator  FALL.  And  you  claim  that  the  State  Department  of  the 
United  States  is  proceeding  upon  the  same  theory  and  is  supporting 
the  Diaz  government  and  the  acts  of  these  bankers  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  In  the  appointment  of  Hamm,  just  as  though  the 
treaty  had  been  agreed  upon  by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  and  for  this  reason  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  has  disembarked  its  marines  and  its  military  forces,  and  is 
sustaining  the  government  of  Diaz  just  as  though  the  treaty  had 
been  ratified  by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States;  and  this  action  by 
the  State  Department  of  the  United  States  is  contrary  to  the  desires 
or  wishes  of  all  the  people  of  Nicaragua,  as  has  been  demonstrated 
by  the  citizens  in  all  parts  of  the  Republic  taking  up  arms  every- 
where, except  in  Managua  and  in  other  places  which  are  garrisoned 
by  forces  of  the  Nicaraguan  Government  and  the  marines  and  military 
forces  of  the  United  States. 

Senator  FALL.  Going  back  to  the  Madriz  administration  and  the 
final  overthrow  of  that  Government,  or  the  substitution  of  some 
other  government,  who  were  the  revolutionary  leaders  against  the 
Madriz  administration  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Juan  Estrada,  Chamorro,  and  Mena. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  It 

Senator  FALL.  You  have  testified  concerning  the  establishment  of 
another  customhouse  at  or  near  Bluefields,  and  the  controversy 
between  the  Madriz  government  and  Mr.  Gilmer,  of  the  American 
Navy,  and  to  the  further  fact  that  as  you  have  said  the  American- 
consul,  Mr.  Moffatt,  established  a  new  customhouse  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  How  do  you  mean  that  Mr.  Moffatt  established  a 
new  customhouse?  Where  was  this  new  customhouse  established? 

Mr.  LEETS.  It  was  on  the  coast  on  one  side  of  the  river  in  the  in- 
terior. Every  ship  had  to  go  by  the  old  customhouse,  the  only  cus- 
tomhouse that  there  was.  They  had  to  go  right  by  it. 

Senator  FALL.  Who  controlled  the  territory  where  this  new  cus- 
tomhouse was  established  ?  Was  it  controlled  by  the  revolutionists  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Who  was  in  command  of  the  revolutionists  at  that 
place  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Juan  Estrada. 

Senator  FALL.  Then,  do  you  mean  to  say  that  the  American  consul, 
Mr.  Moffatt,  established  a  new  customhouse  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes.  The  note  of  Mr.  Knox  says  to  make  the  mer- 
chandise pay  only  to  Estrada,  and  to  take  all  the  merchandise  right 
to  the  new  customhouse,  which  was  established  the  next  day  after 
they  took  the  old  customhouse  from  the  rebel  forces. 

Senator  FALL.  As  I  understand  you,  the  old  customhouse  at  El 
Bluff  (that  is  at  Bluefields)  was  occupied  and  controlled  by  the  revo- 
lutionists ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  It  was  captured  by  the  forces  of  Madriz  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Madriz  was  then  the  President  of  Nicaragua  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  the  day  after  the  capture  of  the  regular  cus- 
tomhouse by  the  forces  of  Madriz  the  American  consul  assisted  m 
the  establishment  of  a  new  customhouse,  or  established  a  new  cus- 
tomhouse on  territory  controlled  by  Juan  Estrada,  who  was  iix 
revolution  against  the  Madriz  government  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  this  last  customhouse  was  the  one  recognized 
in  the  note  of  Secretary  Knox  to  which  you  refer  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  in  order  to  make  the  merchandise  pay  to  the 
new  customhouse  and  not  to  the  old  customhouse,  which  was  the 
only  customhouse  known  on  the  whole  Atlantic  coast  where  all  the 
merchandise  was  separated  for  the  other  small  ports. 

Senator  FALL.  Had  Juan  Estrada  been  recognized  at  this  time 
by  the  Government  of  the  United  States  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Not  officially  recognized;  no. 

Senator  FALL.  Had  the  belligerency  of  the  revolutionists,  the 
Chamorro  and  Estrada  factionists,  been  recognized  officially  by  the 
Government  of  the  United  States  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Not  that  I  know  of,  but  always  mentioned  as  a  defacto 
Government. 

Senator  FALL.  In  this  note  of  Mr.  Knox  to  Zelaya,  and  the  subse- 
quent note  by  Assistant  Secretary  Wilson,  I  see  that  he  refers  to  the 
original  note  of  Secretary  Knox  to  the  minister  representing  Zelaya, 


12  NICARAGUA^    AFFAIRS. 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  the  revolutionists  at  Bluefields,  after  the 
establishing  of  this  new  customhouse,  continue  the  revolution  against 
the  Madriz  Government  from  that  point  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  they  continued,  and  they  received  ammunition 
and  arms  from  different  places,  under  the  protection  of  the  American 
official,  Mr.  Gilmer,  in  charge  of  the  navy  at  Bluefields.  I  have 
cablegrams  to  prove  that  it  was  announced  that  ships  were  taking 
down  arms  and  ammunition,  and  they  were  protected,  and  sailors 
from  the  warships  were  put  on  board  of  these  merchant  ships,  and 
they  were  sent  through  to  the  new  customhouse. 

Senator  FALL.  These  were  arms  and  ammunition  sent  from 
Guatemala  by  Cabrera,  the  president  of  that  supposed  Republic  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes.  I  have  telegrams  where  he  says  that  he  shipped 
them,  and  the  Madriz  forces  tried  to  hold  them,  but  the  American 
officials  protected  them  under  the  American  flag,  and  took  them 
through  to  the  new  customhouse. 

Senator  FALL.  How  did  they  get  to  the  new  customhouse  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  In  order  to  get  to  the  new  customhouse,  they  had  to 
sail  right  by  the  old  customhouse. 

Senator  FALL.  How  long  after  the  establishment  of  the  new  cus- 
tomhouse by  the  American  consul  was  it  before  Madriz  surrendered 
power  and  left  Nicaragua,  approximately  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  About  two  months  and  a  half  after  that. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  the  Madriz  forces  hold  the  old  customhouse  at 
El  Bluff  all  that  time? 

Mr.  LEETS.  They  held  it  all  that  time;  but  American  marines  were 
landed  in  Bluefields  with  their  cannon  and  machine  guns,  and  the 
forces  of  Madriz  were  ordered  not  to  take  Bluefields.  That  was  the 
declaration  of  the  American  man-of-war.  Then  Madriz  ordered  his 
forces  to  go  back  to  the  interior,  and  after  he  got  them  all  back  to  the 
interior  then  the  250  rebels  followed  to  the  interior,  and  then  Madriz 
saw  it  was  no  use  to  fight  any  more,  and  he  delegated  his  power  to 
Dolores  Estrada  and  left  the  country. 

Senator  FALL.  How  long  did  Dolores  Estrada  hold  the  Government  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  held  it  only  about  10  or  12  days  and  then  delivered 
the  Government  over  to  the  revolutionary  party. 

Senator  FALL.  What  did  the  revolutionary  party  do  with  reference 
to  forming  a  government  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  They  of  course  sent  different  commissioners  around 
the  country  and  said  that  Madriz  was  gone,  that  it  wras  no  use  to  fight 
any  longer,  and  to  lay  dowrn  their  arms,  and  all  the  people  did  lay  down 
their  arms,  thinking  the  revolutionary  government  would  make  a  good 
government;  but  they  soon  saw  what  kind  of  a  government  it  was. 

Senator  FALL.  What  kind  of  a  government  was  it?  You  say 
Dolores  Estrada  turned  it  over  to  the  revolutionary  party? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  To  whom  did  he  deliver  the  presidency  ?  Was 
there  a  President  recognized  to  succeed  him  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Juan  Estrada,  his  brother. 

Senator  FALL.  And  then  he  continued  to  discharge  the  duties  of 
President  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  without  election. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  he  call  himself  President? 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  13 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  called  himself  President,  and  he  was  immediately 
recognized  by  the  Washington  Government  as  the  President. 

Senator  FALL.  After  his  recognition,  or  before  his  recognition  by 
the  Washington  Government,  was  he  elected  by  the  Congress  of 
Nicaragua  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir;  he  was  never  elected  by  the  Congress  of  Nicar- 
agua. There  was  no  Congress.  There  was  no  election  by  Congress. 

Senator  FALL.  Then  in  so  far  as  any  election  was  concerned, 
neither  he  nor  Dolores  Estrada  was  ever  elected  President? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir;  never. 

Senator  FALL.  How  long  did  Juan  Estrada  hold  office  as  President  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  held  office  but  a  very  few  months,  and  he  tried  to 
take  out  Mr.  Mena,  the  minister  of  war,  who  had  all  the  po^er  in  his 
hands.  Mena  was  arrested  by  Estrada,  but  the  American  minister 
took  Mena  out,  and  as  soon  as  Mena  got  out,  Mena  obliged  Gen. 
Estrada  to  leave  the  country. 

Senator  FALL.  That  is  the  Mr.  Mena  who  had  just  recently  been 
engaged  in  the  last  revolution? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes.     He  was  minister  of  war. 

Senator  FALL.  Who  was  the  American  minister  whom  you  say 
compelled  the  release  of  Mena  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Mr.  Weitzel. 

Senator  FALL.  He  is  the  present  minister? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  As  I  understand,  Gen.  Mena  was  secretary  of  war 
when  Juan  Estrada  went  in  as  President  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  he  was  afterwards  arrested  by  Juan  Estrada  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Why  was  he  in  revolution  against  him  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Juan  Estrada  wanted  to  take  him  out  as  minister,  but 
he  was  afraid  to  take  him  out  as  minister,  and  he  arrested  him.  Mena 
was  arrested  one  night,  but  under  the  influence  of  the  American 
minister,  Mr.  Weitzel,  he  was  liberated,  and  as  he  had  all  the  barracks 
and  military  quarters  under  his  command,  he  immediately  made 
Juan  Estrada  resign  and  transfer  the  power  to  Adolfo  Diaz  as  the 
new  President  of  Nicaragua.  Mena  had  command  of  the  army  and  of 
the  artillery. 

Senator  FALL.  Mr.  Mena,  the  minister  of  war,  had  under  his  control 
all  the  barracks,  and  the  munitions  of  war,  etc.  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  the  soldiers  recognize  Mena? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  they  recognized  Mena. 

Senator  FALL.  And  were  for  Mena  and  against  Juan  Estrada? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  So  that  when  the  American  minister,  Mr.  Weitzel, 
caused  Juan  Estrada  to  release  Mena  from  custody,  Mena  was  able, 
through  his  control  of  the  soldiers  and  of  the  barracks,  arms,  am- 
munition, etc.,  to  compel  Juan  Estrada  to  flee  the  country? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  and  to  deposit  .the  power  with  Adolfo  Diaz. 

Senator  FALL.  About  when  was  this  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  do  not  remember  exactly  what  date  it  happened.  It 
was  about  May  or  June,  1911. 

Senator  FALL.  Where  did  Juan  Estrada  go  ? 


14  NICAKAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

Mr.  LEETS.  Juan  Estrada  went  from  Nicaragua  to  Guatemala,  and 
from  Guatemala  to  New  York,  where  he  has  been  since. 

Senator  FALL.  What  became  of  Dolores  Estrada  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  still  stayed  in  Managua.     He  is  a  contractor. 

Senator  FALL.  After  Mena  succeeded  in  driving  Juan  Estrada  out 
of  the  country  and  having  the  power  of  the  Government  delivered 
over  to  the  hands  of  Mr.  Diaz,  what  became  of  Mena  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  still  stayed  in  as  minister  of  war,  in  control  of  the 
country.  He  has  all  the  officials  and  the  military  barracks  and  every- 
thing in  his  power,  and  he  had  himself  elected  by  the  Congress,  but  he 
made  the  Congress.  He  said  to  one  man,  "You  wi.ll  be  a  congress- 
man/7 and  to  another,  "You  will  be  a  congressman/'  and  that  Con- 
gress elected  Mena  without  popular  vote  as  a  future  President,  from 
1913  to  1917. 

Senator  FALL.  You  say  this  Congress  was  not  elected  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  The  Congress  was  simply  appointed  by  Mena. 

Senator  FALL.  Was  there  an  election  of  a  Congress  under  Juan 
Estrada  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No.  Juan  Estrada  got  together  his  own  people  as  a 
•Congress,  and  they  discussed  the  making  of  a  new  constitution. 

Senator  FALL.  Was  this  the  Congress  which  elected  Mena  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No;  Mena  did  not  like  that  Congress.  Mena  dissolved 
that  Congress. 

Senator  FALL.  Mena  dissolved  the  Estrada  Congress  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  appointed  one  of  his  own  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  appointed  his  own  Congress. 

Senator  FALL.  And  his  Congress  met  and  elected  him  as  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Republic  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  As  the  future  President,  from  1913  to  1917. 

Senator  FALL.  To  take  office  in  1913  and  hold  until  1917? 
*  Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  in  the  meantime  Mena  remained  as  the  secre- 
tary of  war  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  Diaz  remained  as  the  President,  although  he 
ihad  never  been  elected  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  had  never  been  elected. 

Senator  FALL.  And  has  not  yet  been  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Has  not  yet  been. 

Senator  FALL.  The  Government  was  simply  turned  over  to  him  by 
Juan  Estrada  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  because  Mena  told  Juan  Estrada  to  leave  the 
country.  That  is  the  way  Adolfo  Diaz  got  in,  who  is  now  the  presi- 
dent. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  Mena  agree  to  the  appointment  of  this  man 
Hamm  as  the  collector  of  the  port  and  manager  of  the  different  cus- 
tomhouse in  Nicaragua  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  had  agreed  as  a  minister,  but  after  he  saw  the 
bankers'  loan,  he  did  not  like  that, 

Senator  FALL.  Mena,  then,  was  not  in  agreement  with  the  terms 
-of  the  proposed  bankers'  loan  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  was  not. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  15 

Senator  FALL.  He  first  agreed  to  the  convention  or  treaty  concern- 
ing the  loan  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  But  disagreed  after  he  understood  the  terms  of  the 
agreement? 

Mr.  LEETZ.  The  terms  of  the  loan;  yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  then  he  did  not  agree  to  the  appointment  by 
these  bankers  of  Mr.  Hamm  as  inspector  of  the  customhouses  of 
Nicaragua  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  As  chief  collector  of  customs. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  he  make  any  public  protest  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  did  not  make  any  public  protest,  but  the  Conserva- 
tive Party  did  not  want  Mena.  The  two  old  families,  the  Chamorros 
and  Cuadras,  think  they  are  the  old  families  of  Nicaragua,  and  that 
the  power  must  be  in  their  hands. 

Senator  FALL.  They  form  the  Conservative  Party  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  They  form  the  Conservative  Party,  and  they  did  not 
want  to  have  Mena  in  there  for  the  next  presidential  term.  They 
wanted  the  Dawson  treaty  to  be  fulfilled,  and  to  have  a  new  election, 
but  Mena  did  not  agree. 

Senator  FALL.  When  was  this  Dawson  treaty  or  agreement  entered 
into? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Just  as  soon  as  the  Conservative  Party  came  in.  That 
was  in  August. 

Senator  FALL.  That  was  under  Juan  Estrada  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  That  was  under  Juan  Estrada;  yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Who  were  the  parties  to  that  treaty? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Juan  Estrada,  Mena,  Emiliano  Chamorro,  Hernando 
Solorzano,  and  Adolf o  Diaz.  .  They  are  the  five  persons  who  were  in 
the  treaty. 

Senator  FALL.  How  did  it  happen  to  be  known  as  the  Dawson 
treaty  or  agreement  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  It  is  known  as  the  Dawson  treaty  because  Mr.  Dawson, 
as  the  envoy  of  the  United  States,  was  the  prime  mover  in  getting 
these  parties  together  to  sign  this  agreement,  and  he  signed  it  also. 

Senator  FALL.  Was  that  Dawson  agreement  published  in  Nica- 
ragua ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir;  it  was  kept  secret. 

Senator  FALL.  Has  it  ever  been  published  in  Nicaragua  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Afterwards  it  was  published,  because  the  Liberal  Party 
got  hold  of  it  and  published  it. 

Senator  FALL.  What  was  the  official  position  of  Mr.  Dawson  at 
that  time? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  was  special  envoy  from  Washington,  or  commis- 
sioner of  the  United  States. 

Senator  FALL.  Mena  was  one  of  the  signers  of  that  agreement? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Have  you  ever  known  of  that  treaty  or  agreement 
being  published  in  the  United  States  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  have  never  seen  it  published  in  the  United  States. 

Senator  FALL.  Have  you  a  copy  of  it  with  you  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir;  I  have  not,  because  it  was  always  kept  secret. 

Senator  FALL.  Have  you  a  copy  of  any  publication  of  that  treaty  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No. 


16  XICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

Mr.  McCiiEERY.  I  think  Dr.  Scott,  who  was  then  the  Solicitor  of 
the  State  Department,  printed  it  in  a  publication  which  he  got  out. 

Senator  FALL.  You  have  read  that  agreement,  have  you,  as  it  has 
been  published  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  I  read  it,  because  the  LiberaLParty  of  Nicaragua  had  it 
published. 

Senator  FALL.  You  say  that  by  the  terms  of  this  treaty  it  was  pro- 
vided that  the  Presidency  of  Nicaragua  should  be  confined  to  certain 
individuals,  of  a  certain  party  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  To  the  five  men  who  signed  it.  No  one  else  should  be 
President. 

Senator  FALL.  It  provided  that  the  President  of  Nicaragua  must 
be  selected  from  one  of  those  five  men  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  it  provide  that  they  should  be  selected  by  a 
general  election  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  By  a  general  election. 

Senator  FALL.  It  provided  that  it  should  be  done  by  a  general 
election '? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  Was  this  before  or  after  Gen.  Mena  named  the  Con- 
gress which  had  selected  him  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  It  was  away  before  that. 

Senator  FALL.  And  Gen.  Mena  violated  that  agreement  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  And  caused  himself  to  be  elected  by  a  Congress 
which  he  himself  selected  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  I  presume  his  action  antagonized  the  other  signers 
of  this  Dawson  agreement,  did  it  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  It  was  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  the  other  signers  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  I  have  seen  it  stated  that  the  Dawson  agreement 
disfranchised  all  the  Liberals  of  Nicaragua  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  How  did  it  disfranchise  the  Liberals  ?  Was  it  simply 
by  providing  that  only  those  men  who  had  signed  the  treaty,  and 
who  were  members  of  the  Conservative  Party,  should  be  elected  to 
the  Presidency  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes. 

Senator  FALL.  In  that  way  it  deprived  the  Liberals  of  the  oppor- 
tunity to  elect  their  own  candidate  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes.  and  the  proof  is  that  the  Liberal  leaders  who 
tried  to  interest  the  people  in  the  matter  were  expelled. 

Senator  FALL.  Do  you  mean  they  were  exiled;  driven  out  of  the 
country  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  they  were  exiled  three  times  by  an  order  of  the 
Conservative  Party.  A  large  number  of  leaders  of  the  Liberal  Party 
have  been  exiled  from  Nicaragua  by  an  order  of  the  Conservative 
Party. 

Senator  FALL.  Under  the  administration  of  Diaz  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Under  the  administration  of  Diaz  and  Juan  Estrada, 
both. 


NICARAGUAN    AFFAIRS.  17 

Senator  FALL.  What  was  the  cause  of  this  present  revolution  in 
Nicaragua  against  the  Diaz  government,  if  it  was  against  the  Diaz 
government  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Because  Diaz  wished  to  sapp^nt  Mena.  who  was 
minister  of  war,  and  because  Mena  had  under  his  control  the  army, 
barracks,  and  so  forth,  and  believed  that  he  had  been  elected  as  the 
President  by  a  Congress  which  he  had  appointed  or  des'gnated. 

Senator  FALL.  After  Mena  was  arrested  by  Diaz,  was  he  discharged 
from  arrest  ?  If  so,  who.  released  him  ?  Who  caused  his  discharge  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  He  was  released  again,  as  in  the  former  instance,  by 
the  efforts  of  the  American  minister,  Mr.  Weitzel,  and  he  immediately 
left  for  Granada,  where  his  son  was  in  charge  and  had  military  forces, 
munitions  of  war,  and  so  forth,  and  there  he  started  the  revolution. 

Senator  FALL.  About  what  date  did  he  leave  Managua  for  Granada*? 

Mr.  LEETS.  The  29th  of  July. 

Senator  FALL.  When  were  the  first  marines  landed  in  Nicaragua  ? 
Was  it  after  or  before  Mena  was  released  from  arrest  i 

Mr.  LEETS.  After  he  was  released,  as  soon  as  he  started  his  revolu- 
tion. Mena  also  called  upon  the  liberal  party  to1  arise  and  support 
the  revolution  in  the  west  and  in  the  other  parts  of  the  country.  Then 
the  liberal  party,  because  of  the  landing  of  the  marines  of  the  LTnited 
States,  believing  that  the  United  States  was  intervening  with  arras 
in  the  internal  affairs  in  Nicaragua,  unanimously  took  up  arms  all 
over  the  Republic. 

Senator  FALL.  Did  they  join  Mena  and  fight  with  him? 

Mr.  LEETS.  They  did  not  exactly  join  Mena,  but  took  up  arms 
against  the  action  of  the  United  States  and  Drotested  against  the 
action  of  the  United  States  Government  in  landing  marines,  and  also 
protested  against  the  taking  over  of  the  customhouses  by  the  syndicate 
of  American  bankers. 

Senator  FALL.  Under  what  leaders  did  the  liberal  party  take  up 
arms  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Zeledon,  Dr.  Francesco  Baca,  who  was  one  of  the  min- 
isters in  the  cabinet  of  Dr.  Madriz,  and  under  different  leaders  belong- 
ing to  the  liberal  party,  and  also  following  other  men  of  prominence. 
Their  object  in  taking  up  arms  was  to  fight  for  the  independence  of 
their  country,  that  there  might  be  free  elections,  free  speech,  and  free 
press. 

Senator  FALL.  When  this  agreement  was  entered  into  between  the 
American  bankers  and  the  Nicaraguan  Government,  was  it  favorably 
received  by  the  Nicaraguan  people  in  the  first  instance  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir;  absolutely  all  protested  against  it. 

Senator  FALL.  What  influence,  if  any7  caused  the  agreement  to  be 
entered  into  by  the  Nicaraguan  Government  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Because  the  conservative  government  believed  that 
in  entering  into  this  agreement  they  would  receive  the  support  of  the 
United  States  Government  in  continuing  them  in  power  indefinitely. 

Senator  FALL.  Were  the  people  of  Nicaragua  generally  pleased, 
or  were  they  displeased  at  the  action  of  the  United  States  Senate  in 
refusing  to  ratify  the  agreement  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  They  were  all  very  much  gratified,  and  received  the 
news  with  enthusiasm,  particularly  as  evidence  to  them  that  the  peo- 
ple of  the  United  States  were  in  favor  of  justice,  and  in  favor  of  the 

78467—13 2 


18-  NTCARAGUAN   AFFAIRS, 

freedom  of  the  Nicaraguan  people.  They  saw  in  this  action  of  the 
Senate,  or  in  its  refusal  to  act  in  this  treaty,  justice  to  themselves, 
and  that  they  would  not  be  tied  up  and  delivered  to  the  tender  mer- 
cies of  the  American  bankers. 

Senator  FALL.  As  to  the  documents  which  you  have  informally 
handed  to  me,  I  wish  to  ask  just  which  documents  you  are  willing  to 
have  made  a  portion  of  the  record  in  this  hearing  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  All  the  documents  and  letters  which  have  been  handed 
you,  with  the  exception  of  two  letters  from  Admiral  Kimball,  which 
are  private  letters  addressed  to  Dr.  Madriz,  and  which  I  have  handed 
to  you  simply  in  order  that  you  might  see  in  what  estimation  as  a  man 
and  a  patnot  Dr.  Madriz  was  held  by  Admiral  Kimball  himself. 

If,  however,  the  Senate  committee  should  insist  upon  it,  I  will,  at 
their  request,  leave  with  you  copies  of  these  two  letters  from  Admiral 
Kimball. 

Dr.  Madriz  is  dead,  and  I  have  obtained  these  private  and  confiden- 
tial letters  of  Admiral  Kimball  from  the  widow  of  Dr.  Madriz,  and  I 
would  not  care  to  have  them  made  public  unless  with  the  consent  of 
Mrs.  Madriz  and  also  of  Admiral  Kimball. 

Admiral  Kimball  was  a  high  officer  in  the  American  Navy,  and  is 
now  retired,  and  to  give  publicity  to  the  contents  of  these  letters 
might  in  some  way  embarrass  him.  I  simply  gave  them  to  you  in 
order  that  you  might  see  that  one  who  was  thoroughly  familiar  with 
the  conditions  in  Nicaragua  at  that  time  had  confidence  in  President 
Madriz. 

Senator  FALL.  The  first  document  which  will  be  inserted  in  the 
record  is  a  telegram  under  date  of  June  13,  1910,  from  President 
Madriz  to  President  Taft,  and  attached  to  it  is  a  copy  of  a  note 
signed  "Knox,"  and  also  a  copy  of  a  cablegram  under  date  of  June 
23,  to  the  State  Department  of  the  United  States  from  Madriz. 

The  documents  referred  to  are  as  follows : 

[Copias.] 

NOTAS    CRUZADAS    ENTRE    EL    PRESIDENTE    DE    NICARAGUA    Y    EL 
DEPARTAMENTO    DE    ESTADO   DE    WASHINGTON,   1910. 

[Copia.] 

CAMPO  MARTE,  13  de  junio  1910. 
Exmo  Senor  President e  WILLIAM  H.  TAFT, 

Washington. 

Permitame  V.  E.  referirme  a  ciertos  hechos  relacionados  con 
nuestra  guerra  civil. 

El  27  de  mayo  ultimo  las  fuerzas  de  este  Gobierno  tomaron  por 
asalto  el  Bluff,  posicion  fuerte  que  defiende  a  Bluefields.  El  jefe  de 
esas  fuerzas  tenia  orden  de  proceder  inmediatamente  a  tomar  la 
ciudad  que  se  hallaba  desguarnecida,  lo  que  habria  asegurado  el 
termino  de  la  campana.  Esto'se  frsutro  por  la  actitud  del  Coman- 
dante  del  Crucero  America  Paducdh,  que  intimo  al  jefe  de  nuestras 
tropas  que  se  opondria  con  sus  fuerzas  a  la  toma  de  la  ciudad  y  que, 
al  efecto,  desembarco  marinos  americanos  para  ocuparla.  Con  esto 
la  revolucion  aseguro  su  base  de  operaciones,  pudo  sacar  de  la  ciudad 
todas  sus  fuerzas,  para  oponerlas  a  una  sola  de  nuestras  columnas,  y 


NICARAGUA^  AFFAIRS.  19 

se  frustro  una  combinacion  preparada  ciudadosamente  y  de  exito 
seguro. 

Este  Gobierno  compro  en  Nueva  Orleans  el  barco  ingles  Venus, 
hoy  Maximo  Jerez,  que  salio  para  San  Juan  del  Norte  con  licencia  de 
las  autoridades  americanas,  despues  de  exhibir  bona  fide  todos  los 
elementos  de  guerra  que  traia  a  bordo  como  articulos  de  libre 
comercio.  En  San  Juan  del  Norte  fue  nacionalizado  como  buque 
nicaraguense,  armado  en  guerra  y  destinado  a  bloquear  el  puerto  de 
Bluefields.  El  bloqueo  tenia  por  objeto  impedir  que  la  revolucion 
siguiera  recibiendo,  como  antes,  armas,  provisioned  y  .recursos  de 
Nueva  Orleans. 

El  Gobierno  de  V.  E.  ha  negado  a  nuestro  barco  el  derecho  de 
bloqueo  respecto  de  los  buques  americanos  y  ha  quedado  abierta  a 
la  revolucion  la  fuente  de  Nueva  Orleans. 

La  toma  del  Bluff  dio  a  este  Gobierno  posesion  de  la  aduana  de 
Bluefields,  con  lo  que  esperaba  privar  a  la  revolucion  de  la  renta  de 
la  aduana.  El  Gobierno  de  V.  E.  ha  declarado  que  los  derechos  de 
aduana  deben  pagarse  a  la  revolucion  y  esto  ha  frustrado  en  gran 
parte  la  victoria  de  nuestras  armas  en  el  Bluff. 

El  Gobierno  de  V.  E.  nos  ha  negado  el  derecho  de  impedir  el  paso 
frente  al  Bluff  de  la  naves  americanas  que  vayan  con  destino  a  una 
aduana  revolucionaria  que  acaba  de  establecerse  en  Schooner  Key, 
sobre  el  rio  Escondido,  no  obstante  el  decreto  de  este  Gobierno  que 
cierra  el  puerto  y  prohibe  ese  transito  como  medida  necesaria  de 
defensa  y  pacificacion. 

Un  dia  el  Comandante  del  Paducah  amenazo  al  del  Maximo  Jerez 
con  hacer  fuego  contra  este  y  hundirlo,  si  nuestras  fuerzas  intentaban 
atacar  a  Bluefields. 

Habiendo  not  ado  el  jefe  de  nuestras  tropas  en  el  Bluff,  que  embarca- 
ciones  al  servicio  de  la  revolucion  usaban  la  bandera  americana  para 
pasar  frente  a  la  fortaleza  sin  ser  detenidos,  notifico  al  Comandante 
del  Paducah  su  resolucion  de  impedir  el  libre  transito  de  esos  barcos 
frente  a  sus  posiciones.  Los  Comandantes  del  PaducaJi  y  del  Du- 
buque  contesaron  que  harlan  respetar  con  los  fuegos  de  sus  canones  el 
comercio  americano,  aunque  consistiese  en  armas  y  municiones  para 
la  revoluci6n  y  que  un  duisparo  contra  esas  embarcaciones  significa- 
ria  declarar  la  guerra  a  los  Estados  Unidos. 

Por  ultimo  se  que  en  Bluefields,  guardado  aun  por  marinos  ameri- 
canos, se  prepara  un  ataque  sobre  nuestras  posiciones  del  Bluff  y 
Laguna  de  Perlas.  La  intimacion  del  Comandante  del  PaducaJi  nos 
impide  anticiparnos  a  la  accion  del  enemigo  como  por  legitima 
defensa  tenemos  derecho  de  hacerlo. 

Es  mi  deber  decir  francamente  a  V.  E.  que  no  hallo  modo  de 
conciliar  los  hechos  enumerados  con  los  principles  de  la  neutr alidad 
proclamados  por  la  ley  de  las  naciones;  y  teniendo  confianza  en  la  alta 
rectitud  del  Gobierno  de  los  Estados  Unidos,  no  vacilo  en  dirigirme 
a  V.  E.  para  pedirle  respetuosamente  la  rectification  de  las  ordenes 
dadas  a  sus  autoridades  navales  en  Bluefields.  Asi  podra  este  Gobi- 
erno concluir  facilmente  con  una  revolucion  sangrienta  y  asoladora 
que  carece  de  vida  propia  y  que  esta  labrando  la  ruina  de  Nicaragua, 

PRESIDENTE  JOSE  MADRIZ. 


20  NICAEAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

[Translation.] 
PRESIDENT    MADRIZ    TO    PRESIDENT    TAFT. 

CAMPO  MARTE,  June  13,  1910. 
His  Excellency  President  WILLIAM  H.  TAFT, 

Washington: 

Permit  me,  Y.  E.,  to  refer  to  certain  facts  connected  with  our 
civil  war. 

On  May  27  last  the  forces  of  this  Government  took  by  assault 
El  Bluff,  a  strong  position  that  defends  Bluefields.  The  commander 
of  these  forces  had  orders  to  proceed  immediately  to  take  the  city, 
which  was  ungarrisoned,  which  would  have  assured  the  termination 
of  the  campaign.  This  was  prevented  because  of  the  attitude  of  the 
commander  of  the  American  cruiser  Paducah,  who  intimated  to  the 
commander  of  our  troops  that  he  would  oppose  with  his  force  the 
taking  of  the  city,  and  because,  to  that  end,  he  landed  American 
marines  to  occupy  it.  With  this  the  revolution,  assured  of  its  base  of 
operations,  could  draw  from  the  city  all  its  forces  to  oppose  any  one 
of  our  columns,  and  a  carefully  formed  plan,  assured  of  success,  was 
frustrated. 

This  Government  purchased  in  New  Orleans  the  English  ship 
Venus,  now  the  Maximo  Jerez,  which  left  for  San  Juan  del  Norte 
with  permission  of  the  American  authorities,  after  exhibiting  bona 
fide  all  the  elements  of  war  on  board  as  articles  of  free  commerce. 
In  San  Juan  del  Norte  it  was  nationalized  as  a  Nicaraguan  boat, 
armed  for  war,  and  assigned  to  blockade  the  port  of  Bluefields.  The 
blockade  had  for  its  object  to  prevent  the  revolution  from  continuing 
to  receive,  as  it  had  before,  arms,  provisions,  and  resources  from 
New  Orleans. 

The  Government  of  Y.  E.  has  denied  to  our  boat  the  right  of 
blockade  respecting  American  ships,  and  the  fountain  of  New 
Orleans  has  remained  open  to  the  revolution. 

The  taking  of  El  Bluff  gave  this  Government  possession  of  the 
customhouse  of  Bluefields,  with  which  it  was  expected  to  deprive 
the  revolution  of  the  revenues  of  the  customhouse.  Ihe  Government 
of  Y.  E.  has  declared  that  the  revenues  of  the  customhouse  should 
be  paid  to  the  revolution,  and  this  has  in  great  part  frustrated  the 
victory  of  our  arms  in  El  Bluff. 

The  Government  of  Y.  E.  has  denied  us  the  right  of  preventing  the 
passage  in  front  of  El  Bluff  of  American  ships  destined  to  a  revolu- 
tionary customhouse  that  has  just  been  established  at  Schooner  Key, 
on  the  River  Escondido,  notwithstanding  the  decree  of  this  Govern- 
ment, which  closes  the  port  and  prohibits  this  transit  as  a  measure 
necessary  for  defense  and  pacification. 

One  day  the  commander  of  the  Paducah  threatened  to  fire  upon  and 
sink  the  Maximo  Jerez  if  our  forces  attempted  to  attack  Bluefields. 

The  commander  of  our  forces  in  El  Bluff,  having  noted  that  boats 
in  the  service  of  the  revolution  were  using  the  American  flag  to  pass 
in  front  of  the  fort  without  being  detained,  notified  the  commander 
of  the  Paducah  of  his  determination  to  prevent  the  free  transit  of 
these  boats  in  front  of  his  positions.  The  commanders  of  the  Paducah 
and  the  Dubuque  replied  that  they  would  with  their  guns  force 
American  commerce  to  be  respected,  though  it  should  consist  of  arms 


NICAKAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  21 

and  munitions  for  the  revolution,  and  that  a  shot  fired  against  those 
boats  would  mean  a  declaration  of  war  against  the  United  States. 

Lastly,  I  understand  that  in  Bluefields,  still  guarded  by  American 
marines,  an  attack  is  being  organized  against  our  positions  at  El 
Bluff  and  Laguna  de  Perlas.  The  intimation  of  the  commander  of 
the  Paducah  prevents  us  from  anticipating  the  action  of  the  enemy 
as  we  have  a  right  to  do  as  a  means  of  legitimate  defense. 

It  is  my  duty  to  say  frankly  to  Y.  E.  that  I  am  unable  to  harmonize 
the  acts  enumerated  with  -the  principles  of  neutrality  proclaimed  by 
the  law  of  nations;  and  having  confidence  in  the  high  sense  of  justice 
of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  address 
Y.  E.  to  respectfully  ask  the  rectification  of  the  orders  given  to  the 
naval  authorities  in  Bluefields.  Thus  can  this  Government  easily 
end  a  bloody  and  desolating  revolution  that  lacks  life  in  itself  and  is 
working  the  ruin  of  Nicaragua. 

PRESIDENT  JOSE  MADKIZ. 


WASHINGTON,  June  19,  1910. 

The  policy  of  the  United  States  remains  as  set  forth  in  the  Secretary 
of  State's  letter  of  December  1,  1909,  to  Mr.  Rodriguez,  then  charge 
d'affaires,  whereby  relations  with  the  Zelaya  Government  were  broken 
off.  That  letter  and  statements  of  the  consistent  applications  of  the 
same  policy  to  conditions  as  they  arose  were  duly  published. 

As  to  the  statements  made  in  the  telegram  of  Dr.  Madriz  to  the 
President,  the  Government  of  the  United  States  took  only  the  cus- 
tomary step  of  prohibiting  bombardment  or  fighting  by  either  faction 
within  the  unfortified  and  ungarrisoned  commercial  city  of  Bluefields, 
thus  protecting  the  preponderating  American  and  other  foreign  inter- 
ests, just  as  the  British  commander  had  done  in  case  of  Greytown, 
where  there  are  large  British  interests.  The  Government  of  the 
United  States  has  acknowledged  the  right  of  each  faction  to  maintain 
blockade,  but  has  refused  to  permit  vessels,  illegally  and  clandestinely 
fitted  out  in  American  waters,  to  interfere  with  American  commerce. 

The  Government  of  the  United  States  simply  insists  that  each  fac- 
tion shall  collect  duties  only  for  the  territory  under  its  de  facto  control, 
and  refuses  to  permit  the  collection  of  double  duties. 

If  any  violation  of  neutrality  has  occurred,  it  was  in  connection 
with  the  sailing  of  the  Venus  from  New  Orleans  as  an  expedition  of 
the  Madriz  faction. 

KNOX. 


[Copia.] 

MANAGUA,  28  de  junio  de  1910. 

(Seal:)  Correspondencia  particular  del  Presidente  Nicaragua. 

Por  el  derecho  de  gentes  ningun  Gobierno  neutral  puede  impedir 
ni  estorbar  en  tiempo  de  guerra  las  operaciones  militares  que  los 
beligerantes  ejecutan  legitimamente.  Los  extranjeros  estan  sujetos  a 
todas  las  contingencias  de  esas  operaciones  lo  mismo  que  los  na- 
cionales.  En  consecuencia,  no  puedo  considerar  legal  el  hecho  de 
que  marinos  americanos  hay  an  impedido  las  operaciones  de  muestro 
ejercito  sobre  Bluefields. 


22  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

Respecto  de  la  salida  del  Venus  de  Nueva  Orleans,  tengo  la  con- 
viccion  de  que  no  ha  habido  violacion  de  las  leyes  de  los  Estados 
Unidos.  Ademas,  el  zarpe  dado  por  las  autoridades  de  Nueva 
Orleans  unicamente  obligaba  a  la  nave  a  guardar  neutralidad  durante 
el  viaje,  como  sucedio  en  efecto.  Terminado  el  viaje  para  el  cual  se 
habia  dado  el  zarpe,  entrada  la  nave  en  aguas  agenas  y  nacionalizada 
conforme  a  las  leyes  nicaragiienses,  las  leyes  y  autoridades  de  los 
Estados  Unidos  nada  ban  tenido  que  ver  con  el  destino  ulterior  del 
buque,  el  cual  ha  podido  y  puede  de  derecho  ejercitar  todas  las 
operaciones  de  la  guerra,  entre  las  cuales  figura  el  bloqueo  Omito, 
por  ahora,  observar  otros  detalles  de  la  nota  de  Mr.  Knox;  pero 
quiero  hacer  constar  la  seguridad  que  abrigo  de  que  sin  la  interpo- 
sicion  de  las  autoridades  navales  de  los  Estados  Unidos  en  Blue- 
fields,  en  la  forma  que  explica  mi  cablegrama  al  senor  Presidente 
Taft,  Bluefields  estaria  tornado,  la  revolucion  vencida  y  Nicaragua 
en  paz. 

MADRIZ. 

[Translation.] 

MANAGUA,  June  23,  1910. 

(Seal:)     Private  correspondence  of  the  President  of  Nicaragua. 

Under  international  law  no  neutral  government  can  prevent  or 
impede  in  time  of  war  the  military  operations  that  belligerents  carry 
on  legitimately.  Aliens  are  subject  to  all  the  contingencies  of  these 
operations  as  well  as  nationals.  Consequently  I  can  not  consider 
legal  the  action  of  American  Marines  in  preventing  the  operations  of 
our  army  against  Bluefields. 

Respecting  the  sailing  of  the  Venus  from  New  Orleans,  I  am  con- 
vinced that  there  has  been  no  violation  of  the  laws  of  the  United 
States.  Moreover,  the  clearance  given  by  the  authorities  of  New 
Orleans  only  obligated  the  ship  to  remain  neutral  during  the  voyage, 
which  it  did.  The  voyage  for  which  the  clearance  had  been  given 
terminated,  the  vessel  entered  foreign  waters,  and,  nationalized  in 
accordance  with  Nicaraguan  laws,  trie  laws  and  authorities  of  the 
United  States  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  ulterior  destiny  of  the 
vessel,  which  is  able  to,  and  of  right  can,  carry  on  any  operation  of 
war — among  them  the  blockade. 

I  will  not  at  this  time  examine  other  details  of  the  note  of  Mr. 
Knox;  but  I  wish  to  state  that  I  am  convinced  that  without  the 
interposition  of  the  naval  authorities  of  the  United  States  in  the 
manner  set  forth  in  my  cablegram  to  President  Taft,  Bluefields 
would  be  taken,  the  revolution  put  down,  and  Nicaragua  would  be 
in  peace. 

MADRIZ. 

Senator  FALL.  Next  I  will  insert  in  the  record  a  letter  addressed 
to  Don  Jose"  Madriz,  President  of  Nicaragua,  from  Paris,  France,  the 
letter  being  written  by  Christano  Medina  under  date  of  July  8,  1910, 
Dr.  Medina  being  at  that  time  Nicaraguan  minister  to  France.  Do 
you  identify  his  signature  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes;  I  am  familiar  with  his  signature. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS*.  23 

The  letter  is  as  follows : 

Confidencial. 
Legacion  de  Nicaragua. 
Direcion  telegrafica  "  Medina,  Paris.11 

PARIS,  8  de  Julio  de  1910. 
Excmo :  Senor  Dr.  DON  JOSE  MADRIZ, 

Presidente  de  le  Republica,  Managua. 

MUY  DISTINGUIDO  AMiGO:  Sigo  sin  ninguna  de  sus  gratas  a  que 
referirme  y  sin  noticias  import  antes  de  la  guerra.  La  prensa  Europea 
de  la  pasada  semana  solo  ha  haplado  del  fusilamiento  en  Bluefields 
de  un  General  Matumy  ( 1)  acus'ado  de  haber  traicionado  la  causa  de 
los  revolucionarios,  y  de  ciertos  proyectos  Maquiavelicos  del  Depar- 
tamento  de  Estado  en  union  de  un  grupo  de  Banqueros  Yankees. 

En  corroboracion  de  esto  ultimo  le  dire  que  he  tenido  conocimiento 
de  dos  cart  as  priyadas  escritas  por  el  Senor  Hopkins  a  Mr.  Fuerth, 
Presidente  del  Sindicado  Ethelburga,  que  es  mtimo  amigo  suyo. 
Lie  van  fecha  10  y  21  de  Junio. 

Este  Senor  Hopkins  es  jefe  de  unacasa  de  abogados  de  Washington 
que  actualmente  goza  de  gran  influencia  en  el  Gobierno  por  la  intima 
cprdialidad  de  sus  relaciones  con  los  Senores  Taft  y  Knox,  por  con- 
siguiente  debe  suponerse  que  cuanto  diga  es  por  inspiracion  de  dichos 
Caballeros. 

El  Senor  Hopkins  en  esas  cartas  sostiene  que  V.  esta  perdido  porque 
el  Gobierno  Americano  esta  perfectamente  resuelto  a  mo  permitir 
que  siga  V.  en  la  Presidencia:  y  partiendo  de  este  convencimiento 
pretende  que  la  unica  solucion  pratica,  patriotica  y  honrosa  para  V. 
es  la  de  convenir  con  el  General  Estrada  en  deposit ar  el  Gobierno  en 
persona  idonea  aceptable  para  los  cjos,  para  que  haga  elecciones  con- 
stitucionales;  dice  que  si  V.  resulta  electo  el  Gobierno  Americano  lo 
reconocera  en  seguida;  que  de  otro  modo  nunca  lo  reconocera  y 
seguira  a  la  expectativa  de  que  su  Gobierno  de  el  menor  pretesto  que 
permita  a  Mr.  Knox  de  interyenir  militarmente  sin  la  autorizacion 
Legislativa  que  la  Constitucion  de  los  Estados-Unidos  imp  one  al 
Ejecutivo. 

Me  parecio  que  talvez  fuera  impertinente  dar  a  V.  cuenta  de  esto ; 
pero  al  fin  pense  que,  estando  todavia  de  Ministrp  de  Nicaragua,  era 
mi  deber  tener  al  Gobierno  al  corriente  de  cuanto  ilegara  a  mi  noticia 
que,  en  mi  concepto,  pudiera  interesarle. 

Cierto  es  que  por  escribir  al  General  Zelaya  con  franqueza  y  lealtad, 
diciendole  verdades  que  otrps  le  disimulaban,  llego  a  cojerme  ojeriza. 
Temo  que  me  suceda  lo  mismo  con  V.  pero  no  puedo  permitir  que 
ese  temor  influya  en  mi  animo  para  impedir  el  cumplimiento  de  lo 
que  considero  un  deber. 

Personalmente  no  se  como  apreciar  lo  que  dice  el  Senor  Hopkins. 
Pudiera  ser  que  siis  palabras  solo  nacieran  de  una  combination 
fraguada  en  el  Depart  amento  de  Estado  para  que  de  aqui  tembien 
se  influya  en  el  animo  de  V.  en  el  sentido  que  eilos  desean;  y  que  ai 
mismo  tiempo,  y  con  identicas  miras,  negocien  con  el  Gobierno 
Mejicano  para  procedcr  de  acuerdo. 

Por  eso,  auiique  Mr.  Fuerth  estaba  empenado  en  que  yo  le  tele- 
grafiara  a  V.  o  en  telegrafiarle  el  direct amente,  yo  me  negue  a  lo 
primero  y  lo  disuadi  de  lo  segundo.  Hasta  dudaba  escribirle;  pero 
al  fin  las  consideraciones  expuestas  me  deciden. 


2±  IflCARAGUAN    AFFAIRS. 

Hablan  esos  Senores,  como  si  fuera  posible,  llegar  a  celebrar  un 
convenio  con  Estrada  para  designar,  de  acuerdo,  la  persona  respetable 
que  debe  ejercer  el  Gobiernp  para  efectuar  las  elecciones.  Claro  es 
que  Estuada  solo  convendria  en  ello  si  logra  que  se  designe  algun 
Conservador  de  su  confianza  que  haga  las  elecciones  en  su  favor.  Lo 
que  se  me  figura  que  buscan  es  que,  admitiendose  por  las  partes  la 
imposibilidad  de  un  acuerdo,  los  Estados  Unidos  se  presten  generosa- 
mente  a  intervenir  mandando  a  un  Magoon  cualquiera  que  presida 
nuestras  elecciones. 

Yo  no  veo  mas  recurso  que  pelear  hasta  morir  pues  cualquier  cosa 
es  preferible  a  semejante  humiliacion. 

En  la  esperanza  de  que  no  tomara  V.  a  mal  el  contenido  de  esta 
carta,  y  que  le  hara  justicia  a  los  sentimientos  que  la  dictan,  soy  de 
V.  siempre  affmo  amigo  y  servidor. 

CRISANTO  MEDINA. 

[Translation.] 

Confidential. 

Legation  of  Nicaragua. 
Telegraph  "Medina,  Paris." 

PARIS,  July  8,  1910. 
His  Excellency  JOSE  MADRIZ, 

President  of  the  Republic,  Managua. 

DISTINGUISHED  FRIEND  :  I  have  received  nothing  from  you  and  am 
without  important  news  of  the  war.  The  European  press  has  men- 
tioned during  the  past  week  only  the  shooting  in  Bluefields  of  a  Gen. 
Matumy(?),  accused  of  treason  to  the  revolutionary  cause,  and  cer- 
tain Machiavellian  plans  of  the  department  of  state  in  connection 
with  a  group  of  Yankee  bankers. 

In  corroboration  of  the  latter  I  will  say  that  I  have  knowledge  of 
two  private  letters  written  by  Mr.  Hopkins  to  Mr.  Fuerth,  president 
of  the  Ethelburga  Syndicate,  who  is  an  intimate  friend  of  his.  They 
bear  date  June  10  and  21. 

This  Mr.  Hopkins  is  head  of  a  firm  of  lawyers  in  Washington  which 
at  present  enjoys  great  influence  with  the  Government  through  the 
intimate  cordiality  of  their  relations  with  Messrs.  Taft  and  Knox  and 
therefore  it  should  be  supposed  that  what  he  says  is  by  inspiration  of 
said  gentlemen. 

Mr.  Hopkins,  in  these  letters,  maintains  that  you  are  lost  because 
the  American  Government  is  firmly  resolved  not  to  permit  you  to 
continue  in  the  Presidency,  and  in  view  of  this  conviction  he  claims 
that  the  only  practical,  patriotic,  and  honorable  solution  for  you  is 
to  agree  with  Gen.  Estrada  upon  the  deposit  of  the  Government 
in  a  proper  person  acceptable  to  both  for  the  holding  of  constitutional 
elections;  he  says  that  should  you  be  elected  the  American  Govern- 
ment would  recognize  you  forthwith;  that  in  any  other  case  you  will 
not  be  recognized  and  it  may  be  expected  that  the  slightest  pretext 
will  be  awaited  to  permit  Mr.  Knox  to  intervene  militarily  without 
the  legislative  authorization  that  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States  enjoins  on  the  Executive. 

It  seemed  to  me,  perhaps,  impertinent  ,to  report  this  to  you,  but 
finally  I  thought  that  still  being  Minister  of  Nicaragua  it  was  my 
duty  to  keep  the  Government  informed  of  whatever  came  to  my 
notice  that  could,  in  my  opinion,  be  of  interest  to  it. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  25 

Certain  it  is  that  by  writing  to  Gen.  Zelaya,  frankly  and  loyally 
telling  him  truths  that  others  dissimulated,  I  gained  his  ill-will.  I 
fear  that  the  same  will  result  with  you,  but  I  can  not  permit  this  fear 
to  prevent  my  compliance  with  what  I  consider  a  duty. 

Personally,  I  do  not  know  how  to  estimate  what  Mr.  Hopkins  says. 
It  may  be  that  his  words  emanate  simply  from  a  plan  hatched  in  the 
Department  of  State  to  influence  you  in  the  sense  they  desire;  and 
that,  at  the  same  time,  and  with  the  same  object,  they  are  negotiating 
with  the  Mexican  Government  to  act  with  it. 

So,  though  Mr.  Fuerth  was  insisting  that  I  telegraph  you  or  that  he 
telegraph  you  directly,  I  refused  the  first  and  dissuaded  him  from  the 
second.  I^even  doubted  the  wisdom  of  writing  to  you;  but  was  at 
last  decided  by  the  considerations  mentioned.  These  gentlemen 
talk,  as  though  it  were  possible,  of  coming  to  an  agreement  with 
Estrada  to  designate  the  person  to  take  charge  of  the  Government  in 
order  that  elections  may  be  held.  It  is  evident  that  Estrada  would 
come  to  an  agreement  only  on  condition  that  a  conservative  was 
named  whom  he  could  trust  to  hold  elections  in  his  favor.  It  appears 
to  me  that  they  aim  to  bring  about  this — the  impossibility  of  an  agree- 
ment once  admitted  by  the  two  parties,  the  United  States  will 
generously  consent  to  intervene  and  send  a  magoon  to  preside  over 
our  elections. 

I  see  no  other  recourse  than  to  fight  to  the  death,  anything  being 
preferable  to  such  humiliation. 

In  the  hope  that  you  will  not  take  ill  the  contents  of  this  letter,  and 
that  you  will  do  justice  to  the  sentiments  that  dictate  it,  I  remain, 
Your  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 

CRISANTO  MEDINA. 

Senator  FALL.  I  next  insert  in  the  record  carbon  copies  of  various 
letters.  From  whom  are  these  letters  1 

Mr.  LEETS.  From  the  Nicaraguan  Minister,  Luis  Felipe  Correa, 
the  representative  of  Nicaragua  wjio  was  not  received  officially. 
He  was  special  envoy  from  Madriz  to  Washington,  but  he  was  never 
received  officially. 

Senator  FALL.  I  introduce  a  copy  of  a  letter  dated  Washington, 
D.  C.,  February  3,  1910,  which  the  witness  states  was  written  by 
Luis  Felipe  Correa,  who  was  a  special  representative  of  the  Madriz 
Government  to  Washington,  but  was  not  officially  recognized.  This 
letter  is  addressed  to  Hon.  Philander  C.  Knox.  Attached  to  this  are 
cipher  cablegrams  with  the  translations  thereof,  and  also  a  commu- 
nication under  date  of  February  23,  addressed  to  Hon.  Philander  C. 
Knox,  which  the  witness  testifies  was  addressed  by  the  same  party. 
All  these  are  by  the  same  party,  are  they  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Yes.- 

The  copies  referred  to  are  as  follows: 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  3,  1910. 

SIR:  I  have  received  from  an  authentic  source  copies  of  several 
cables  exchanged  by  persons  intimately  associated  with  the  present 
struggle  in  Nicaragua.  As  the  knowledge  of  some  of  them  may  be 
of  interest  to  the  United  States  because  of  its  policy  concerning  Cen- 
tral America,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  the  copies  of 
43  of  them  with  corresponding  translations. 


26  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

Please  accept,  Mr.  Secretary,  the  assurances  of  my  highest  con- 
sideration. 

Hon.  PHILANDER  C.  KNOX, 

Secretary  of  State. 
(2  inclosures.) 

GUATEMALA,  28  octubre. 
ANDREA/  Bluefields: 

Imernopodi  cassiculos  y  depilant  birkwein. 

[Translation.] 

Inform   me   by   telegraph   immediately  class   and   dimension   of 
cartridges. 


PANAMA,  octubre  28. 
DiAZ,2  Bluejields: 

Informanos  Rita  seenetz  adorcimes  velinha  cortez  duetimus 
particao  accumb. 

CHAMORRO.3 

[Translation.] 

Informanos  Rita  the  vessel  is  now  at  Puerto  Cortes  awaiting  orders* 
Detained  by  authorities.  Shall  I  put  in  a  petition  ?  Telegraph  latest 
advices  received. 

CHAMORRO. 


BLUEFIELDS,  29. 
RITA,  Guatemala: 

Impassion  vogue  eleguises  ignarium  raligro  nuestro  adifano  afge- 
togen  eddering  widgeon  sobriete  icelesia  serotino  bisesfiali  birkwein 
derotimus  paticoja  cortes  fageorum  adinarisit  sermyla. 

ANDREA. 

[Translation.] 

I  thank  you  for  the  information.  I  can  not  too  strongly  urge  upon 
you  that  if  order  is  not  executed  immediately  danger  our  army  will 
be  attack  by  enemy  about  end  of  next  week.  Success  may  be  con- 
sidered certain  if  immediate  shipment.  Rifles,  ammunition,  detained 
by  authorities  Puerto  Cortes.  Should  you  fail  then  make  necessary 
arrangements  to  duplicate  shipment. 

ADOLFO  DIAZ. 


^BLUEFIELDS,  29. 
RITA,  Guatemala: 

Tamacolin  senkgarn  remington  bierwein  rollick  pederemus  o 
sedavero  roliseide  maxima  tanjasno. 

[Translation.] 

Have  you  received  my  telegram  ?  Awaiting  reply.  Ship  as 
promptly  as  possible  Remington  cartridges  43.  If  it  is  possible  please 
send  two  Maxims.  Telegraph  date  of  departure  and  probable  date 
of  arrival. 

1  Revolution.  a  Secretary  general.  3  Salvader,  father  of  Emiliano  (General). 


NICARAGUA^  AFFAIRS.  27 

PANAMA,  October  30,  1909. 
DIAZ,  Bluefields: 

Rita  informanos  imitara  adoptaret  dermalge  situarias  depolitum 
bocejas  aetiniario  mantihlia  schlock  deeretum. 

CHAMORRO. 

[Translation.] 

Rita  informs  us  will  most  likely  arrive  six  days  steamer  direct  ta 
Bocas.  We  will  send  a  good  amount  of  ammunition.  I  send  man. 
Will  be  of  good  service.  Delay  until  arrive. 

CHAMORRO. 

BLUEFIELDS,  30. 
RITA,  Guatemala: 

Nausearian  seranca  chocolade  waenglein  aduectunt  senaduria 
pardevare  sitfgeld  aoptadas  decripity. 

ANDREA. 

[Translation.] 

Very  glad  to  receive  news  of  shipment.  I  have  every  confidence 
victory  after  arrival  ship.  I  can  hold  out  until  ship  arrives.  Please 
avoid  delay. 

ADOLFO  DIAZ. 

BLUEFIELDS,  noviembre  1. 
CHAMORRO,  Panama: 

Siryase  transmitir  lo  siguiente  a  Rita:  Elimiotis  afgetap  witterzig 
delictis  serasker  aceutuas  Andrea.  Todo  bien. 

ADOLFO  DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

CHAMORRO,  Panama: 

Please  transmit  the  following  to  Rita :  I  expect  to  be  attack  by  the 
enemy  about  end  of  the  week.  Will  depend  upon  you  for  shipment. 
Advise.  Everything  all  right. 

ADOLFO  DIAZ. 

BLUEFIELDS,  noviembre  2. 
RITA,  Guatemala: 

Acerantos  skegger  Mobile  chulan  patrimes  accustom  see  porto 
sensuos  Mobile  acerantos  admireras  Corinto  sedalpa  reginarium  Sal- 
vador calciera. 

ANDREA. 

[Translation.] 

I  am  advised  steamer  has  left  Mobile  consigned  to  our  port.  Advise 
me  if  you  have  sent  ship  via  Mobile.  Government  agent  is  making 
all  arrangements  Corinto  to  send  revolution  to  Salvador. 

ADOLFO  DIAZ. 

BLUEFIELDS,  noviembre  4- 
CHAMORRO,  Panama: 

Pregunte  a  Rita  fecha  positiva  cuando  podemos  esperar  en  este 
puerto  embarque.  Estamos  atacados  por  el  enemigo.  Estamos  muy 
escases  de  elementos.  Se  necesita  contestacion  inmediata. 

DIAZ. 


28  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

[Translation.] 

Ask  Rita  positive  date  when  we  may  expect  shipment  to  this  port. 
We  are  attacked  by  enemy  and  short  of  ammunition.  Immediate 
answer  wanted. 

BLUEFIELDS,  noviembre  7,  1909. 
CHAMORRO,  Panama. 

Diga  Rita  Gral.  en  Jefe  tropas  Zelaya  Rio  San  Juan,  Salvador 
Toledo  asi  avisa  Andrea.  Siempre  lo  mismo  como  dije  Ud.  cable  de 
ayer.  Conteste. 

[Translation.] 

Tell  Rita  commander  in  chief  Zelaya's  troops  Rio  San  Juan  is 
Salvador  Toledo ;  thus  informs  Andrea.  Still  the  same  as  I  told  you 
cable  of  yesterday.  Answer. 

BLUEFIELDS,  November  8,  1909. 
GHAMORRO,  Panama: 

Diga  Rita  puedo  sostenerme  hasta  comienzo  semana  entrante. 
La  razon  es  cartuchos  agotados.  Victoria  depende  enteramente  del 
recibo  de  los  embarques  avisados  en  su  telegrama  el  fin  de  la  semana 
pasada.  Chamorro  esta  atacado  por  el  enemigo  desde  hace  tres  dias. 

DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

Tell  Rita  can  hold  but  until  beginning  next  week.  The  reason  is 
cartridges  exhausted.  Victory  depends  entirely  upon  receipt  ship- 
ments mentioned  in  your  telegram  end  of  last  week.  Chamorro  has 
been  attacked  by  enemy  for  last  three  days. 

15TH. 

CHAMORRO,  Panama: 

Andrea  abandono  San  Juan  pero  se  mantiene  un  bloqueo  muy 
estricta  en  dicho  puerto.  Si  no  recibo  embarques  prometidos  por 
Rita,  Castrillo  y  Abadengo  no  mas  tarde  que  19  Nov.  es  muy  probable 
que  la  revolucion  tiene  que  sucumbir.  Puede  Ud  informarons 
positivamente  Si  Rita  ha  mandado  los  embarques  avisados. 

DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

Andrea  abandoned  San  Juan,  but  very  strict  blockade  is  main- 
tained in  said  port.  If  I  do  not  receive  shipments  promised  by  Rita, 
Castrillo,  and  Abadengo  by  Nov.  19th  is  very  probable  that  the 
revolution  must  fail.  Will  you  inform  us  positively  if  Rita  has  sent 
shipments  mentioned  ? 

DIAZ. 


NOVEMBER  16. 
CHAMORRO,  Panama: 

Diga  Rita  buque  no  ha  llegado  esta  costa  procedente  New  York. 

DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

Tell  Rita  ship  from  New  York  has  not  arrived  this  coast. 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  29 

WASHINGTON,  November  16. 
DIAZ,  Bluefields: 

Dice  Rita  vapor  llegara  20  Nov.  con  municiones.  Antes  no  es 
posible.  Aqui  se  ha  recibidp  el  informe  de  la  ocupacion  del  puerto, 
Velasquez  conmigo.  Sera  distinto  esto  a  lo  de  Abadengo. 

WILCOX. 

[Translation.] 

Rita  says  steamer  with  ammunition  will  arrive  November  20.  Not 
possible  before.  Report  has  been  received  here  of  occupation  of  the 
port.  Velazquez  with  me.  This  will  be  different  from  that  of 
Abadengo. 


COLON,  Enero  12. 
GUERRA,  Limon: 

Gobierno  ordeno  autoridades  Bocas  mandar  auxiliar  embarcacion 
tambien  ordeno  dejar  salir  lancha  estaba  detenida.  Si  no  llega 
mandela  buscar.  Cable  dando  aviso  rumor  gran  combate  Acoyapa 
ganado  por  nuestros. 

CHAMORRO. 

[Translation.] 

Government  ordered  Bocas  authorities  to  aid  vessel.  Also  ordered 
to  release  launch  that  was  detained.  If  it  does  not  arrive  send  to 
search  for  it.  Cable  giving  news  of  rumor  of  great  battle  at  Acoyapa 
won  by  us. 


COLON,  Enero  19. 
DIAZ,  Bluefields: 

Aviseme  llegada  viajeros  Wilhelmina.  De  Granada  preguntan  por 
Salvador  Zelaya  suponen  murio  battalia  Rama. 

[Translation.] 

Let  me  know  the  arrival  of  Wilhelmina  passengers.  They  inquire 
from  Granada  about  Salvador  Zelaya  who  is  supposed  to  have  died 
in  the  battle  of  Rama. 


BLUEFIELDS,  October  23. 
ARAMBURU,]  New  York: 

Diga  Castrillo  pida  dinero  Belanger  necesitamos  saber  de  manera 
positiva  si  ya  envio  mercaderia.  Es  grave  esperar  tanto.  Conteste 
Usted.  Muevase.  Urgente  contestacion. 

ADOLFO  DiAz.2 

[Translation.] 

Tell  Castrillo  to  ask  Belanger  for  money.  We  need  to  know  in  a 
positive  way  if  he  has  sent  merchandise  yet.  It  is  grave  to  be  wait- 
ing so  long.  Answer.  Gey  busy.  Answer  is  urgent. 

i  Commission  agent.  a  Secretary  general. 


30  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

BLUEFIELDS,  25. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

Recibo  Castrillo  dinero  cuanto  mas  necesita.     Barco  no  debe  pasar 
por  Honduras.     Contesta. 

DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

Has  Castrillo  received  money?     How  much  more  does  he  need? 
Ship  must  not  come  via  Honduras.     Answer. 


BLUEFIELDS,  26. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

Diga  Castrillo  pida  otra  vez  dinero  Belanger.     Medina  entregara 
dos  mil.     Conteste. 

DIAZ. 

[Translation.]! 

Tell  Castrillo  to  ask  Belanger  for  money  again.     Medina  will  deliver 
two  thousand.     Answer. 

DIAZ. 

BLUEFIELDS,  October  26. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

Castrillo   preferible  Remington   calibre  43   como    tenemos   aqui. 
Haga  lo  mejor.     Esperamos  Corn  Island.     Urge  contestacion. 

ADOLFO  DIAZ. 

[Translation.]) 

Castrillo  it  is  preferable  Remington  caliber  43  as  we  have  here. 
Do  the  best.     Expect  at  Corn  Island.     Answer  is  urgent. 


NEW  YORK,  October  28,  1909. 
ESPINOSA  (EMILIO),  l  Bluefields: 

Gestionare  Washington  sentido  terminar  guerra.     Rodolfo  retirase. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

Will  endeavor  Washington  to  the  end  to  terminate  war.     Rodolfo 
retiring. 

(N.  Y.  VIA)  COLON,  October  29. 
ESTRADA,  Bluejields: 

Llamado  Washington  salgo  reserva  informare  Belanger  ofrece  seis 
Medina  nada. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

Called    to    Washington.     Leaving.     Keep    secret.     Will    inform- 
Belanger  offers  six.     Medina  nothing. 

i  Brother  of  Rodolfo. 


NICAKAGUAN  AFFAIRS.  31 

WASHINGTON,  29. 
ADOLFO  DIAZ,  Bluefields: 

Recibido  casi  oficialmente.     Gestiono  intervenir  amigable.     Ro- 
dolfo  molestome  antes  anuncia  periodicos  es  Ministro.     Presentare 
conclusion  justo  avisarme. 
Amigo. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

Received  almost  officially.  Endeavor  amicable  intervention.  Ro- 
dolfo  (Espinosa)  annoyed  me  at  the  beginning  by  publishing  was 
Minister.  Shall  present  conclusion  just  as  advised. 

Friend, 


BLUEFIELDS,  October  30. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

Castrillo  epatotomia  Carlos  Martinez  Hullera  America  glotzen 
kernoofl  Honduras  Dromight  hazanas  territorio  grotwerk. 

ESPINOSA. 

[Translation.] 

Have  information  from  private  sources  Carlos  Martinez  has  just 
sailed  for  America  in  order  to  prepare  vessel  to  call  at  Honduras  to 
redeem  by  all  means  territory.  A  protest  should  be  entered  at  once. 

ESPINOSA. 


BLUEFIELDS,  November  1. 
CASTRILLO  : 

Carlos  Martinez  aduatote  waswalf  watchword.     Whimbrel  walrosse 
valhold. 

[Translation.] 

Carlos  Martinez  will  arrive  there.     Watch  him.     Advise  me  that 
he  is  watched.     He  is  going  to  buy  a  war  vessel. 

NEW  YORK,  November  2. 
ADOLFO  DIAZ,  Bluefields: 

Sostenga  Salvador  siempre  somos  unos. 

ARAMBURU. 

[Translation.] 

Retain  Salvador  (Castrillo).     We  are  all  of  the  same  breed. 

NOVEMBER  5. 
ESTRADA,  Bluejields: 

Entendido  obtendremos  mejor  pronto  gobierno  amigo  ayudan. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

All  right.    We  shall  soon  obtain  better.     Government  friendly. 
They  help. 


32  NICARAGUAN    AFFAIRS. 

BLUEFIELDS,  November  5. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

Situacion  alarmante.     Porque  me  engana.     Porque  no  ha  infor- 
mado  la  fecha  de  llegada  a  este  puerto.     Diga  la  verdad.     Urgente. 

DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

Situation    alarming.     Why    deceive    me?     Why    have    you    not 
informed  the  date  of  the  arrival  at  this  port  ?     Tell  the  truth.    Urgent. 

BLUEFIELDS,  November  6. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

No  puedo  sostenerme  mucho  tiempo  mas.     Estoy  muy  corto  de 
municiones.     Su  contestacion  debe  ser  definitiva. 

DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

I  can  not  sustain  myself  much  longer.     I  am  very  short  of  ammu- 
nition.    Your  answer  must  be  definite. 


NOVEMBER  6. 
ESTRADA,  Bluefields: 

Confidence  digole  Castrillo  tiene  conseguido  auxilio  eficaz  pronto 
Gobierno  amigo  vale. 

ARAMBURU. 

[Translation.] 

I  tell  you  confidentially  Castrillo  has  obtained  speedy  efficacious 
aid  friendly  government.     Valuable. 


BLUEFIELDS,  November  6 ',  1909. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

Castrillo  vease  en  Wharton's  International  Digest  las  paginas  sigui- 
entes  536,  537,  541,  542,  546,  549,  y  de  acuerdo  con  ellos  gestione  Ud. 
en  Washington  Ud.  nuestra  independencia  conteste  cable  anterior 
sobre  este  mismo  asunto.  Cite  Ud.  estas  leyes  que  son  claras  ( ?)  y  de 
su  propia  legislacion. 

ESTRADA. 

[Translation.] 

Castrillo  see  Wharton's  International  Digest,  following  pages,  536, 
537,  541,  542,  546,  549,  and  in  accordance  with  them  urge  in  Wash- 
ington our  independence.  Answer  previous  cable  about  same  mat- 
ter. Quote  these  laws,  which  are  clear  and  of  their  own  legislation. 

NOVEMBER  7. 
ADOLFO  DIAZ,  Bluefields: 

Zelaya  complicase  sostengase  llamado  Washington.  Refierome 
anterior. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

Zelaya  complicates  it.  Sustain  yourself.  Called  to  Washington. 
Refer  to  previous. 


NICARAGUAN   AFPAIKS.  33 

NOVEMBER  8. 
ARAMBURU*  New  York: 

Ask  Castrillo  what  is  the  opinion  of  Washington  with  reference  to 
new  Republic.  Has  steamer  sailed;  if  not,  what  is  the  cause? 
When  will  she  sail  ?  Answer  immediately  by  Western  Union  code. 

DIAZ. 


NOVEMBER  9. 
ARAMBURU,  New  York: 

Castrillo  avisa  de  Mobile  saco  Zelaya  expedicion  contra  nosotros. 
Proteste. 

ESTRADA. 

[Translation.] 

Castrillo  informs  Zelaya  sent  from  Mobile  expedition  against  us. 
Protest. 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Enero  IS. 
ESTRADA,  Bluefields: 

Aceptar  pago  Emery  y  cuestion  Grey  town  resolveran  hoy  favorable. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

They  will  to-day  resolve  favorably  in  the  Emery  payment  and 
Grey  town  question. 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Enero  13. 
ESTRADA,  Bluefields: 

Aconsejan  no  escuchar  Kimball. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

They  advise  not  to  heed  Kimball. 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Enero  14. 
ESTRADA,  Bluefields: 

Departamento  no  autoriza  Kimball. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

Department  does  not  authorize  Kimball. 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Enero  14. 
ESTRADA,  Bluejields: 

Departamento  informa  Madriz  debilisimo. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

Department  informs  Madriz  very  weak. 
78467—13 3 


34  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

BLUEFIELDS,  Enero  17. 
CASTRILLO,  Washington: 

Ancioso  esperando  noticia  emprestito  pago  Emery  y  Greytown 
hemos  girado  ppr  veinte  mill  dollars  contra  Aramburu  a  cinco  dios 
vista  conforme  instrucciones  conteste. 

ESTRADA. 

[Translation.] 

Anxiously  awaiting  news  loan,  Emery  payment  and  Greytown. 
Have  drawn  $20,000  against  Aramburu  at  five  days'  sight,  in  accord- 
ance with  instructions.  Answer. 


WASHINGTON,  Enero  18. 
ESTRADA,  BluefieUs: 

Entendido  Giro  Tratando  Opino  Atacar  Greytown  Sin  Miedo. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

All  right  about  draft.     Treating.     I  believe  in  attacking  Greytown 
without  fear. 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Enero  19. 
ESTRADA,  BluefieUs: 

Urge  bat  alia  tomar  Greytown  para  reconocimiento. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

For  recognition  it  is  urgent  to  give  battle  and  take  Greytown. 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Enero  25. 
ESTRADA  DIAZ,  BluefieUs: 

Todo  bien  soles  proximo  vapor. 

CASTRILLO. 

[Translation.] 

All  well.     Soles  next  steamer. 

COLON,  Enero  25. 
President  ESTRADA,  BluefieUs: 

Regresado.     Nuestra  situacion  Washington  excelente.     Felicitolos 
efusivamente.     Espero  ordenes. 

VELASQUEZ.  * 

[Translation.] 

Have  returned.     Our  situation  Washington  excellent.     Congratu- 
late you  warmly.     Await  orders. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  35 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  23,  1910. 

SIR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  have  received  to-day  a 
cable  from  President  Madriz,  which  translated  reads  as  follows: 

Complete  victory  over  revolution  at  Tisma.  Many  prisoners  and  ammunition  cap- 
tured. Chamorro  totally  destroyed.  He  intended  to  force  Tipitapa,  but  was  repulsed 
and  is  being  actively  pursued.  This  means  that  the  revolution  is  vanquished  and 
that  the  Government  is  in  readiness  to  reestablish  order.  Thus  inform  the  State  De- 
partment and  endeavor  to  obtain  recognition  in  order  that  tranquillity  return  to  this 
Republic,  devastated  by  so  many  misfortunes.  Humanity  claims  conclusion  of  a 
desolating  war.  I  trust  to  find  a  sympathetic  echo  in  the  generous  spirit  of  the  Ameri- 
can Government. 

Please  accept,  Mr.  Secretary,  the  renewed  assurance  of  my  highest 
consideration. 

Hon.  PHILANDER  C.  KNOX; 

Secretary  of  State. 

Senator  FALL.  Also  a  communication  under  date  of  March  8, 
1910,  addressed,  as  the  witness  testifies,  by  the  same  party,  to  Hon. 
Philander  C.  Knox,  which  is  as  follows: 

[Copy.] 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  March  8,  1910. 

SIR:  In  confirmation  of  the  news  of  the  destruction  of  Chamorrp's 
army,  as  contained  in  a  brief  cablegram  from  President  Madriz,  which 
I  communicated  to  you  on  February  23,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit 
the  following  translation  of  another  cablegram  which  I  have  lately 
received  from  my  Government: 

Chamorro,  after  his  defeat  at  Tisma  and  Tipitapa,  was  able  to  join  Mena  at  San 
Vicente,.  The  revolutionists  on  learning  the. magnitude  of  the  disaster,  as  they  saw 
him  returning  with  only  60  men  of  the  1,500  that  he  took  with  him,  became  panic 
stricken  and  the  greater  part  of  them  disbanded.  To  the  present  time  251  have 
surrendered  to  Vasquez,  among  them  5  colonels,  8  sergeants  major,  and  a  great  number 
of  other  officers.  Chamorro  and  Mena  with  only  200  are  fleeing  to  Rama,  abandoning 
the  wounded,  medicine  chests,  arms  and  amunition. 

The  rebellion  in  Nicaragua,  therefore,  has  come  to  an  end  and 
President  Madriz  is  working  earnestly  for  the  restoration  of  order 
throughout  the  Republic. 

Taking  advantage  of  this  opportunity  I  wish  to  present  to  your 
attention  a  few  pertinent  facts.  On  the  31st  of  last  December  I 
called  at  the  State  Department  to  present  a  cablegram  from  President 
Madriz,  which  read  as  follows : 

MANAGUA,  NICARAGUA,  December  30,  1909. 
Dr.  Luis  FELIPE  COREA,  Washington. 

The  Government  has  resolved  to  invest  you  with  the  power  of  private  and  confiden- 
tial agent,  to  treat  with  the  Department  of  State,  in  order  to  bring  to  an  amicable 
conclusion  the  pending  difficulties;  to  hear  just  demands;  and  to  provide  ways  to 
reestablish  friendship  upon  a  basis  of  warmest  cordiality  and  mutual  confidence. 

Please  convey  to  the  Department  of  State  the  conviction  that  this  Government 
aspires  solely  for  the  peace  and  order  of  Central  America  under  the  Washington  con- 
ventions, and  for  the  due  fulfillment  of  international  obligations. 

PRESIDENT  J.  MADRIZ. 

Unable  to  have  an  audience  with  you,  I  left  a  copy  of  the  cablegram 
with  the  department,  and  four  days  later  handed  a  copy  of  the  trans- 
lation to  Assistant  Secretary  Wilson,  whom  I  asked,  in  view  of  the 
three  points  presented  in  the  first  paragraph,  what  the  State  Depart- 


36  2TICARAGUAN    AFFAIRS. 

raent  wished,  or  what  it  could  suggest,  especially  as  a  prerequisite 
to  the  resumption  of  cordial  relations  that  I  might  be  permitted  to 
communicate  to  President  Madriz.  I  was  told  that  the  State  Depart- 
ment had  no  suggestion  to  make.  I  cited  several  precedents  showing 
the  attitude  of  the  United  States,  tendering  good  offices  in  1890  and 
1906,  during  the  wars  between  Guatemala  and  Salvador;  in  1894  and 
1907  during  the  wars  between  Nicaragua  and  Honduras;  and  in  1902, 
during  the  war  between  Panama  and  Colombia,  and  asked  if  a  favor- 
able reply  could  be  expected  to  a  formal  request  that  the  United  States 
use  its  good  offices  toward  reestablishing  peace  in  Nicaragua.  It  was 
repeated  to  me  that  the  Department  of  State  had  no  suggestion  to 
make. 

As  a  messenger  of  peace  I  also  presented  to  the  State  Department 
a  cablegram. from  President  Madriz  communicating  the  liberal  terms 
proposed  by  him  to  Gen.  Estrada  for  the  restoration  of  order  and  the 
reorganization  of  the  Government.  So  sincere  was  the  desire  of 
President  Madriz  to  have  peace  that  he  manifested  his  willingness 
to  order  elections  within  the  ensuing  six  months,  and  as  a  guaranty 
of  free  suffrage  and  impartiality,  to  forbid  the  use  of  his  name  as  a 
candidate. 

It  is  of  common  knowledge  that  Gen.  Estrada  who,  though  repre- 
senting at  that  time  less  than  5  per  cent  of  the  population  of  Nicaragua, 
and  controlling  less  than  10  per  cent  of  the  territory,  or  no  more  than 
had  been  placed  under  his  charge  as  governor  jand  intendente  by  Presi- 
dent Zelaya,  ignored  these  generous  proposals  and  insisted  that  he, 
himself,  be  recognized  as  the  de  jure  and  de  facto  Government  of  the 
republic.  Finding  that  the  rebellion  could  not  be  suppressed  by 
measures  short  of  war,  and  that  the  United  States  withheld  its  good 
offices  for  the  preservation  of  the  Republic,  which  was  rapidly  drifting 
into  anarchy,  President  Madriz  entered  upon  a  vigorous  campaign 
which  has  been  entiiely  successful: 

Having  been  denied  the  privilege  of  appearing  in  person  to  dis- 
abuse your  mind  of  any  unfavorable  impression,  due  to  false  or 
prejudiced  statements,  which  you  may  have  had  concerning  the  char- 
acter, culture,  ambitions,  influence,  and  particularly  the  political 
relations  of  President  Madriz,  please  permit  me  to  say  that  President 
Madriz,  since  his  induction  into  office  in  accordance  with  the  second 
provision  of  article  78  of  the  constitution,  has  undertaken  a  larger 
program  of  reform  than  was  dreamed  of  by  those  who  fomented  the 
rebellion.  Immediately  he  began  the  execution  of  it  by  liberating 
political  prisoners  and  summoning  to  Nicaragua  all  political  refugees 
who  had  been  exiled  by  his  predecessor;  by  incarcerating  public 
officials  who  were  charged  with  plundering  the  public  treasury;  by 
instituting  a  rigid  inquiry  into  the  execution  of  the  Americans,  Groce 
and  Cannon;  by  annulling  monopolistic  concessions;  and  by  show- 
ing due  respect  and  consideration  for  all  American  interests. 

President  Madriz  issued  strict  orders  to  the  commanders  of  his 
troops  to  protect  American  property  and  to  protect  American  lives; 
and  to  send  any  Americans  taken  with  arms,  as  prisoners  of  war,  to" 
Managua.  On  the  25th  of  February  he  sent  a  message  to  the  gover- 
nors of  the  several  Departments,  in  substance  as  follows: 

As  certain  parties  are  spreading  reports  to  the  effect  that  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment is  intervening  in  the  domestic  affairs  of  Nicaragua,  I  inform  you  that  the  Nica- 
raguan  Government  is  thoroughly  convinced  of  the  neutrality  of  the  United  States  as 


NICARAGUA!*   AFFAIRS.  37 

regards  the  present  situation  in  Nicaragua.     Prevent,  therefore,  all  demonstration  a 
against  said  Government. 

As  a  lawyer  of  large  experience  and  international  renown,  who 
owes  no  obligation  to  Gen.  Zelaya  or  to  any  persons  that  were  affiliated 
with  him,  for  his  political  or  professional  advancement,  he  has  done 
for  the  mutual  welfare  of  Nicaragua  and  the  best  interests  of  the 
United  States  all  that,  and,  in  view  of  the  circumstances,  more  than 
could  have  been  reasonably  expected  of  him.  He  is  a  statesman  of 
a  high  degree  of  intelligence,  animated  by  the  purest  patriotism  and 
love  for  his  countrymen,  courageous  and  resourceful.  His  induction 
into  the  high  office1'  of  President  of  Nicaragua  was  an  immediate 
check  upon  the  disintregrating  forces  which  were  working  for  the 
destruction  of  law  and  order  and  which,  without  his  restraining 
hand,  soon  would  have  resulted  in  anarchy.  He  restored  confidence 
at  home  and  won  the  respect  of  all  of  the  governments  of  Latin 
America. 

In  view  of  the  foregoing,  and  the  complete  failure  of  the  rebellion 
in  Nicaragua,  I  respectfully  urge  the  recognition  of  Dr.  Jose  Madriz 
as  the  de  jure  as  well  as  the  de  facto  president  of  the  Republic.  He 
has  demonstrated  his  strength  and  ability,  and  now  stands  ready  to 
fulfill  all  of  the  obligations  imposed  by  international  law  upon  his 
Government,  eagerly  craving  the  restoration  of  most  cordial  rela- 
tions with  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 

If  the  United  States,  notwithstanding  the  developments  of  the 
past  few  days,  does  not  consider  this  to  be  the  opportune  time  to 
make  such  recognition,  Nicaragua  will  sorely  lament  it,  but  Dr. 
Madriz  will  continue  the  work  of  the  reorganization  of  the  Govern- 
ment, confident  that  at  no  distant  day  will  be  renewed  the  relations 
of  good  will  and  cordiality  which  hertofore  have  obtained. 

Please  accept,  Mr.  Secretary,  the  renewed  assurance  of  my  highest 
consideration. 

Hon.  PHILANDER  C.  KNOX, 

Secretary  of  State. 

Senator  FALL.  Also  a  communication  from  the  same  party,  as 
testified  by  the  witness  to  Mr.  Knox,  under  date  of  May  23,  1910: 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  May  23,  1910. 

SIR:  I  am  in  receipt  of  a  cablegram  of  the  20th  instant  from 
President  Madriz  which  in  part  is  as  follows; 

Secretary  of  State  at  Washington,  through  the  American  consul,  has  informed  me 
that  on  account  of  Venus  having  deceived  authorities  at  port  of  the  United  States, 
sailing  from  there  as  a  merchantman,  but  to  be  destined  as  a  man  of  war,  she  hj,s  no 
right  to  blockade,  visit,  or  search  on  high  seas. 

I  am  advised  further  that  Commander  Gilmer,  of  the  IT.  S.  S. 
Paducah,  has  forcibly  raised  the  blockade  of  the  port  of  Bluefields 
which  had  been  lawfully  instituted  by  President  Madriz  and  effec- 
tively maintained  by  the  Venus,  a  vessel  of  war  of  Nicaragua. 

I  respectfully  submit  that  this  interference  with  the  free  move- 
ments of  the  Venus  is  not  in  accordance  with  the  principles  of  inter- 
national law  as  interpreted  by  the  honorable  Attorney  General  and 
the  Federal  courts  of  the  United  States. 


38  NICARAGUAN    AFFAIRS. 

The  Venus  sailed  under  the  British  flag  from  the  port  of  New  Orleans 
on  April  30  under  contract  of  sale  to  be  delivered  at  Greytown  to 
the  authorities  of  Nicaragua,  for  such  use  as  President  Madriz  might 
order.  For  a  period  of  10  days  following  the  application  for  clear- 
ance the  vessel  was  detained  at  New  Orleans  by  the  authorities  of 
the  United  States,  while  the  fullest  inquiry  was  conducted.  The 
protest  filed  by  the  insurgents'  representative  against  clearance  was 
dismissed  by  the  Department  of  Commerce  and  Labor.  The  crim- 
inal charge  which  was  lodged  against  the  captain  of  the  Venus  for 
alleged  violation  of  the  neutrality  laws  was  dismissed  by  the  United 
States  commissioner  after  a  prolonged  trial.  The  libel  filed  against 
the  vessel  by  an  alleged  informer,  under  section  5283  of  the  United 
States  Revised  Statutes,  on  motion  of  the  United  States  attorney 
who  had  prosecuted  the  criminal  charge,  was  immediately  dismissed 
by  the  United  States  district  judge.  The  motion  for  a  new  trial 
made  in  behalf  of  the  alleged  informer  also  was  dismissed  by  the  same 
United  States  district  judge.  For  your  information,  as  the  facts 
may  not  have  been  reported  to  you,  I  submit  herewith  a  memoran- 
dum of  quotations  from  the  reports  of  the  proceedings  in  the  Venus's 
case  as  published  in  the  daily  press  of  New  Orleans. 

The  honorable  United  States  commissioner,  in  dismissing  the 
criminal  charge  which  had  been  made  against  the  captain  of  the 
Venus,  is  reported  to  have  said : 

It  matters  not  what  the  condition  may  be  hereafter,  the  case  must  be  considered  as 
it  exists  on  the  day  the  vessel  leaves  this  port.  This  satisfied  the  exigencies  o^ 
neutrality. 

The  Venus  sailed  from  New  Orleans  with  guns  aboard,  but  not- 
mounted.  She  was  delivered  to  the  representative  of  President 
Madriz  at  Greytown,  where,  with  the  authority  and  assistance  of  the 
British  consul,  transfer  to  the  Republic  of  Nicaragua  was  formally 
made.  The  Nicaraguan  flag  was  raised  and  forthwith  the  vessel 
became  a  ship  of  war  in  the  public  service  of  Nicaragua,  in  which 
character  she  immediately  became  exempt  from  interference  of  the 
commander  of  the  PaducaJi  or  of  any  other  authority  of  the  United 
^States.  If  the  Venus  did  not  become  a  public  vessel  of  Nicaragua, 
awfully  engaged  in  military  operations  and  in  maintaining  the  block- 
ade at  Bluefields,  she  would  have  been  subject  to  seizure  as  a  pirate. 

Attorney  General  E.  R.  Hoar,  in  a  carefully  prepared  opinion  (13 
Op.  Atty.  Gen.)  under  date  of  December  16,  1869,  upon  the  question 
of  whether  libel  should  be  instituted  by  the  United  States  against  cer- 
tain gunboats  building  in  New  York  for  the  Spanish  Government,  to 
be  empk^ed  against  the  colony  claiming  to  be  the  Republic  of  Cuba, 
held  that  section  5283  of  the  Revised  Statutes  did  not  apply,  for  the 
reason  that — 

when  a  nation  with  which  we  are  at  peace,  or  the  recognized  Government  thereof, 
undertakes  to  procure  armed  vessels  for  the  purpose  of  enforcing  its  own  recognized 
authority  within  its  own  dominions,  although  there  may  be  evidence  satisfactory  to 
show  that  they  will  aid  the  Government  in  the  suppression  of  insurrection  or  rebellion, 
in  a  legal  view  this  does  not  involve  a  design  to  commit  hostilities  against  anybody. 

Secretary  Seward,  writing  to  Mr.  Wheelwright,  under  date  of 
September  15,  1868  (Moore's  Int.  Law,  v.  7,  p.  1076),  said: 

I  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  9th  instant,  relative  to  the 
legitimacy  of  the  Salnave  Government  of  Haiti,  and  the  sailing  of  the  Haitian  man- 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  39 

of -war  Galatea  from  the  port  of  New  York.  The  Salnave  Government  must,  until 
some  other  has  established  itself  de  facto  and  has  been  recognized  as  such  by  the 
proper  department  of  our  Government,  be  regarded  as  the  legitimate  Government  of 
Haiti,  and  such  respect  must  be  paid  to  its  acts  and  rights  as  are  due  to  its  character. 
The  Galatea  is  understood  to  be  a  regular  Haitian  man-of-war,  which  being  disabled 
put  into  the  port  of  New  York  for  repairs.  This  Government  had  no  authority  to 
detain  her;  but  on  the  contrary  was  bound  in  comity  to  allow  her  to  refit  and  if  need 
be  to  facilitate  the  same.  You  will  perceive  that  the  principles  above  stated  apply 
equally  to  the  case  of  the  brig  Esey,  alleged  by  you  in  your  telegram  of  the  12th  instant 
to  be  about  to  sail  with  ammunition  for  Salnave.  There  is  here  no  violation  of  neu- 
trality as  there  are  no  governments  interested  between  which  this  Government  should 
be  neutral.  The  supplies  in  question  are  destined  for  the  aid  of  the  legitimate  govern- 
ment in  the  maintenance  of  its  integrity  against  insurgents. 

It  was  held  in  the  case  of  the  Carondelet  (37  Fed.  Kept.,  799)  that 
the  Dominican  consul  in  New  York  could  charter  a  vessel  and  ship 
arms  to  a  representative  of  his  Government,  possibly  for  use  against 
one  of  the  warring  factions  in  Haiti,  without  violating  the  neutrality 
laws,  because  there  can  be  no  obligation  of  neutrality  except  toward 
some  organized  state  or  power,  de  jure  or  de  facto.  The  court  said, 
in  part: 

The  United  States  can  hardly  be  said  to  be  "at  peace,"  in  the  sense  of  the  statute, 
with  a  faction  which  they  are  unwilling  to  recognize  as  a  government. 

Again,  in  the  case  of  United  States  v.  The  Conserva  (38  Fed.  Rep., 
431),  the  court  held: 

In  a  proceeding  instituted  under  section  5283,  Revised  Statutes  of  the  United 
States,  the  fact  must  be  shown  that  the  Government  against  which  it  is  alleged  that 
the  vessel  is  intended  to  commit  hostilities  has  been  recognized  by  the  United  States . 

The  proceeding  was  for  the  forfeiture  of  the  Conserva,  a  gunboat 
whose  guns  were  not  in  place,  which  had  been  purchased  by  the 
Dominican  consul  under  contract  to  be  delivered  to  the  Dominican 
Government  at  Samana  and  presumably  to  be  used  against  an  unrec- 
ognized faction  in  Haiti. 

In  the  light  of  these  authorities,  I  respectfully  submit,  the  insur- 
gents of  Nicaragua  can  not  be  held  to  be  a  "  colony,  district,  or  peo- 
ple" with  whom  the  United  States  are  "at  peace/'  within  the  mean- 
ing of  the  neutrality  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Venus  could 
have  sailed  from  the  port  of  New  Orleans  in  full  panoply  of  war, 
under  the  Nicaraguan  flag,  with  the  avowed  purpose  of  blockading 
the  Nicaraguan  port  of  Bluefields,  without  offending  against  any 
statute  of  the  United  States. 

I  earnestly  but  respectfully  request,  therefore,  that  instructions  be 
issued  which  will  permit  the  Bluefields  blockade  to  be  maintained  by 
the  Venus,  and  that  I  may  be  favored  with  an  answer  to  this  request, 
in  order  that  I  may  communicate  the  decision  to  President  Madriz. 

Accept,  sir,  the  renewed  assurance  of  my  highest  consideration. 

Hon.  PHILANDER  C.  KNOX, 

State  Department. 

Senator  FALL.  Also  papers  described  as  documents  referring  to 
American  intervention,  containing  in  Spanish  copies  of  various  com- 
munications from  and  to  Mr.  Gilmer  and  others;  also  printed  procla- 
mations in  Spanish,  together  with  clippings  from  certain  newspapers; 


40  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

also  translations  of  the  Spanish  of  certain  clippings  from  the  San 
Francisco  Call  and  other  papers,  as  follows: 

DOCUMENTOS  REFERENTES  A  LA  INTERVENTION  AMERICANA. 

[Copia.] 

NOTAS  CRUZADAS  ENTRE  EL  SR.  DELEGADO  DEL  EJECUTIVO  Y  EL  JEFE 
DE    LA    REVOLUTION   DE    BLUEFIELDS. 

En  mi  caracter  de  Delegado  del  Poder  Ejecutivo  y  con  funciones 
de  Comandartte  General  en  el  Literal  Atlantico  de  Nicaragua,  de  la 
manera  mas  formal  intimo  a  U.  la  rendicion  de  la  fortaleza  del  Bluff 
y  de  Bluefields  ofreciendo  a  U.  y  a  los  suyos  toda  clase  de  garantias  de 
acuerdo  con  las  leyes  de  la  guerra;  y  caso  de  no  aceptar,  categori- 
camente  notifico  &  U.  que  le  concedo  el  te"rmino  de  veinticuatro 
horas  6  sea  hasta  manana  a  las  ocho  pm  para  que  los  ancianos, 
mujeres  y  ninos  y  demas  personas  no  combatientes  desocupen  los 
lugares  indicados,  pues  vencido  el  te"rmino  senalado  procedere"  al 
ataque  y  bombardeo  correspondientes,  dirigiendo  los  fuegos  sobre 
los  lugares  ocupados  por  fuerzas  militares  y  empenandome  por  que 
no  sufra  si  fuere  posible  la  propiedad  particular  y  declinando  desde 
la  hora  en  U.  toda  la  responsabilidad  por  la  sangre  derramada  y  por 
los  intereses  que  se  lesionen. 

No  dudando  que  U.  en  cumplimiento  de  su  deber  ppndra  en  con- 
ocimiento  de  los  subditos  extranjeros  y  demas  vecinos  no  com- 
batientes la  presente  notificacion  para  que  se  pongan  a  salvo,  soy  de 
U.  atento  s.  s. 

J.  IRIAS.     . 

BLUEFIELDS,  17  de  Mayo  de  1910. 

Como  el  Gobierno  del  General  Juan  J.  Estrada  desconocio  por 
inconstitucional  al  que  presidia  el  General  Zelaya,  conforme  a  los 
deseos  del  pueblo  nicaraguense  y  de  acuerdo  con  la  opinion  de  re- 
spetables  hombres  publicos  entre  ellos  el  Dr.  Don  Jose  Madriz  quien 
luminosos  folletos  demostro  la  inconstitucionalidad  del  Gobeirno  de 
Zelaya  y  la  inmoralidad  de  este;  no  puedo  menos  que  resistir  a  las 
pretenciones  de  los  continuadores  de  aquel  mismo  Gobierno  que  lo 
nan  investido  a  U.  como  Delegado  del  Eject uivo  con  funciones  de 
Comandante  General  en  el  Litoral  Atlantico  para  intimar  la  rendi- 
ci6n  de  la  fortaleza  del  Bluff  y  Bluefields  y  manifestarle  en  consecuen- 
cia,  que  el  Gobierno  provisional  esta  dispuesto  no  solo  a  defender 
estas  fortalezas  sino  tambien  esta  Costa  como  la  de  todo  el  pais,  a  los 
usurpadores  de  los  Poderes  Publicos. 

ZENON  RIVERA, 
Ministro  General. 

JTranslation.] 

NOTES  EXCHANGED  BETWEEN  THE  DELEGATE  OF  THE  EXECUTIVE 
AND  THE  CHIEF  OF  THE  R-E VOLUTION  AT  BLUEFIELDS. 

In  my  character  of  delegate  of  the  executive  powers  and  com- 
mandant general  in  the  Atlantic  Littoral  of  Nicaragua,  in  the  most 
formal  manner  I  demand  of  you  the  surrender  of  the  Fort  of  El  Bluff 
and  of  Bluefields,  offering  to  you  and  to  all  under  you  every  guar- 


NICARAGUAN  AFFAIRS.  41 

antee  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  war;  and  in  case  of  nonaccept- 
ance  I  notify  you  categorically  that  I  grant  a  period  of  24  hours, 
or  until  8  p.  m.  to-morrow,  for  the  aged,  women,  and  children,  and 
other  noncombatants  to  evacuate  the  places  indicated;  the  period 
mentioned  having  elapsed,  I  shall  proceed  to  the  correspondent 
attack  and  bombardment,  directing  the  fire  against  the  places  occu- 
pied by  military  forces,  endeavoring  to  prevent,  if  it  be  possible, 
damage  to  private  property,  and  throwing  upon  you  from  the  hour 
fixed  all  the  responsibility  for  bloodshed  and  losses. 

Not  doubting  that,  in  compliance  with  your  duty,  you  will  bring 
the  present  notification  to  the  knowledge  of  all  foreign  subjects  and 
other  noncombatant  residents,  that  they  may  escape  injury,  I  am, 
Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  IRIAS. 

•• 

BLUEFIELDS,  May  17,  1910. 

As  the  government  of  Gen.  Juan  J.  Estrada  held  to  be  unconstitu- 
tional that  headed  by  Gen.  Zelaya,  agreeable  to  the  desires  of  the 
Nicaraguan  people  and  in  accordance  with  the  opinion  of  respectable 
public  men,  among  them  Dr.  Jose  Madriz,  whose  luminous  pamphlets 
demonstrated  the  unconstitutionality  of  the  government  of  Zelaya 
and  its  immorality,  I  can  do  no  less  than  oppose  the  pretensions  of 
the  continuers  of  that  same  government  who  have  invested  you  with, 
the  functions  of  commandant  general  in  the  Atlantic  Littoral  in  order 
to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  Fort  of  El  Bluff  and  Bluefields,  and 
to  inform  you,  therefore,  that  the  provisional  government  is  resolved 
not  only  to  defend  these  fortresses,  but  also  this  coast  and  the  whole 
country  against  the  usurpers  of  the  public  authority. 

ZENON  RIVERA, 
Minister  General. 

[Copia.] 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  l°/6  de  1910. 

COMANDANTE    GENERAL! 

Trascribole  a  U.  la  comunicacion  que  recibi  del  PaducaJi  En 
traduccion  k>  mismo  que  la  respuesta  que  yo  di  a  dicha  comunica- 
cion las  que  respectivamente  dicen  N°  314  U.  U.-  Ws  S.  Paducah 
anclado  frente  a  Bluefields  Mcoragno  Mayo  25  de  1910-  Senor:  En 
referenda  a  mi  proclama  fechad  16  de  Mayo  de  1910;  una  copia  de 
la  cual  tiene  U.  en  su  poder  y  otra  le  fue  suministrada  a  pedimento 
verbal  suya  al  Teniente  Walson  del  vapor  de  guerra  de  Estados 
Unidos  de  America,  defiendo  la  accion  que  el  oficial  mayor  de  marina 
presente,  tomaria  en  el  caso  actual  es,  si  se  permitira  6  n6  al  Venus 
que  pare  a  los  buques  mercantes  para  revisarles  su  maniftesto  dentro 
de  limite  de  tres  millas  de  la  costa  y  en  caso  de  llevar  armas  y  muni- 
ciones  apresarlo  estuvieren  dentro  6  fuera  del  limite  de  tres  millas 
bajo  que  condiciones  seria  reconocido  el  bloqueo  durante  el  sitio  de 
ciudad  de  Bluefields  y  el  probable  bombardeo  del  Bluff-  Si  permitiera 
salir  a  los  barcos  mercantes  de  Bluefields  si  ser  registrados  por  el 
Venus,  me  permito  informarle  que  he  recibido  las  ordenes  siguientes 
del  Srio  de  la  marina — La  politica  del  Gobierno  de  los  EE.  Uu .  en  lo 


42  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

tocante  al  bioqueo  de  Bluefields  anunciado,  cuyo  bloqueo  por  el 
Gobierno  de  Madriz  pareceria  constituido,  parte  de  est  el  recono- 
cimiento  de  la  beligerancia  de  la  faccion  de  Estrada  corresponderia 
naturalmente  a  la  politica  observada  durante  el  bloqueo  de  Grey- 
town  Nicaragua  por  la  faccion  de  Estrada  cuando  el  Srio  de  Estrada 
resolyio  que  si  el  anunciado  bloqueo  6  cierre  del  puerto  se  hacia 
efectivo  y  si  se  mantendria  en  la  debida  forma  observando  todos  los 
requisites  de  la  ley  internacional  (il)  incluso  el  aviso  a  los  vapores 
mercantes  que  se  aproxiniaren  el  Gobierno  de  Estados  no  estaba 
dispuesto  a  intervenir  para  evitarlo  pero  se  reservaba  todos  los 
derechos  relacionados  a  la  validez  de  cualquier  procedimiento  insti- 
tuido  contra  cualquier  barco  como  presa  de  guerra  en  accion-  Debo 
hacerle  observar  sinembargo  que  en  las  actuales  circunstancias  cual- 
quier vapor  que  como  Venus  Enganandp  a  la  autoridad  competente 
de  un  puerto  de  EE.  UU.  zarpo  de  el  disfrazado  de  barco  mercante 
pero  en  realidad  habia  sido  destinado  para  usarlo  como  vapor  de 
guerra  habiendo  perdido  por  este  acto  todos  sus  derechos  como 
beligerante  tales  como  el  derecho  de  registro  de  vapores  en  altamar 
y  el  de  bloqueo  Firmado  Meyer  Muy  respetuosamente  V.  V.  Gilmour 
Comandante  Marina  de  Estados  Unidos.  Comandante  del  vapor  de 
EE.  UU.  Paducah  Oficial  Mayor  presente  Gral  J.  Irias,  S.  S.  Venus. 

El  Bluff  31  de  Mayo  de  1910  Senor  me  refiero  a  la  atenta  comuni- 
cacion  de  u.  fecha  25  del  mes  en  curso  referente  a  la  actitud  de  su 
Gobierno  en  relacion  con  el  probable  bloqueo  de  Bluefields  y  en  lo 
cual  entre  otras  cosas  U.  se  sirve  trascribirme  lo  siguiente  que  he 
recibido  del  Senor  Srio  de  Marina-  La  politica  del  Gobierno  deEE. 
UU.  en  lo  tocante  al  bloqueo  de  Bluefields  anuncia  de  cuyo  bloqueo 
por  el  Gobierno  de  Madriz  pareceria  constituir  por  parte  del  recono- 
cimiento  de  la  beligerancia  de  la  faccion  de  Estrada  U.  corres- 
ponderia naturalmente  la  politica  observada  durante  el  bloqueo 
de  Greytown  Nicaragua  por  la  faccion  de  Estrada  cuando  el 
secretario  resolvio  que  si  el  anunciado  bloqueo  6  cierre  del  puerto 
se  hacia  efectivo  y  se  mantenia  en  hebida  forma  observando 
los  requisites  de  la  ley  internacional,  incluso  el  aviso  de  los 
vapores  mercantes  que  se  aproxiniaren  el  Gobierno  de  EE.  UU. 
no  estaba  dispuesto  a  intervenir  para  evitario,  pero  se  reservaba 
todos  los  derechos  relacionados  a  la  validez  de  cualquier  proce- 
dimiento instituido  contra  cualquier  barco  como  presa  de  guerra  en 
accion. 

Debo  hacerle  observar  sinembargo  que  las  actuales  circunstancias 
cualquier  vapor  que  como  el  Venus  enganando  a  las  autoridades 
competentes  de  un  puerto  de  EE.  UU.  zarpo  disfrazado  de  barco 
mercante  pero  que  en  realidad  habia  sido  destinado  para  usarlo  como 
vapor  de  guerra  habiendo  perdido  por  este  acto  todos  los  derechos 
como  beligerante  tales  como  derecho  de  registro  de  vapores  en  alta 
mar  y  el  del  bloqueo-Firmado  Meyer  Verbalmente  he  explicado  a 
U.  como  se  hizo  la  negociacion  del  Venus  y  los  distintos  incidentes 
judiciales  que  ocurrieron  con  motivo  de  su  salida  de  EE.  UU.  ademas 
mostre  a  U.  el  documento  original  que  a  solicitud  mia  extendio  el 
senor  Consul  de  su  Magestad  britanica  en  San  Juan  del  Norte  del  que 
dejo  U.  una  copia  y  el  cual  literalmente  dice:  a  peticion  del  Senor 


NICARAGUAN    AFFAIRS.  43 

Delegado  del  Ejecutivo  Dr.  y  General  Don  Julian  Irias  certifico  que 
el  vapor  Venus  que  Ileg6  a  este  buerto  con  bandera  inglesa  pro- 
cedente  de  Nueva  Orlean  Estados  Unidos  de  America  consignado 
al  Gobierno  de  Nicaragua  fue  entregado  al  mismo  Gobierno  por  el 
capitan  J.  F.  H.  Nland  y  que  el  traspaso  de  la  bandera  se  hizo  con- 
forme  £  la  ley  habiendose  presentado  el  certificadp  de  venta  y  habien- 
dome  entregado  el  capitan  el  certificado  de  registro  y  demas  docu- 
mentos  pertenecientes  al  barco  y  habiendome  bajado  la  bandera 
inglesa  con  las  formalidades  debidas  y  para  los  fines  de  ley  ex  tiendo 
el  presente  en  San  Juan  del  Norte  Nic.  el  21  de  Mayo  de  1910-H.  F. 
Bingham  Consul  de  S.  M.  Britanica.  Hay  un  timbre  de  cinco  che- 
lines  cancelado  hay  un  sello  del  consulado  Britanico  en  Greytown. 
El  Senor  Comandante  comprendera  muy  bien  por  el  documento 
trascrito  que  el  Venus  como  vapor  ingles  salio  legitimamente  del 
puerto  americano  que  en  territorio  nicaragiiense  se  efectuo  el  traspaso 
de  dicho  barco  al  Gobierno  de  Nic.  el  que  ha  tenido  perfecto  derecho 
para  destinarlo  al  objeto  que  mas  le  convenga  y  que  en  consecuencia 
la  Sria  de  Marina  Americana  siempre  respetuosa  a  los  derechos  de 
una  nacion  soberana  e  independiente  tan  luego  como  U.  de  a  conocer 
los  conceptos  anteriores  reconocera  que  el  vapor  Venus  goza  de 
todos  los  privilegios  de  un  barco  de  guerra  Con  toda  consideracion 
soy  de  U.  muy  atento  S.  S.  Delegado  del  Ejecutivo. 

J.  IRIAS. 

El  a  Venus"  no  ha  violado — Las  leyes  de  neutralidad— Cable  de  New 

Orleans. 

El  vapor  Venus  no  ha  violado  la  neutralidad  y  no  ha  hecho  prepara- 
tives belicos  sino  despues  de  haber  llegado  a  San  Juan  del  Norte  y 
haber  arriado  la  bandera  inglesa;  lo  declaran  ocho  hombres  de  su 
tripulacion,  que  desembarcaron  en  New  Orleans  el  martes  del  vapor 
Turrialba. 

Todos  dicen  lo  mismo,  declarando  que  salieron  de  aqui  para  Cuba 
donde  tomaron  a  bordo  al  general  Altschul,  y  en  seguida  continuaron 
para  San  Juan  del  Norte,  donde  ei  vapor  fue  entregado  con  la  prac- 
tica  ordinaria,  y  cambio,  £  presencia  del  Consul  ingles,  Mr.  H.  J. 
Bingham,  la  nacionalidad  inglesa  por  la  de  Nicaragua,  izando  la 
bandera  de  este  ultimo  pais,  en  el  lugar  donde  antes  estaba  la  inglesa. 
Estos  hombres  declaran  que  fueron  muy  bien  tratados  du  rante  toda 
la  travesia,  y  que  cometieron  un  error  con  no  quedarse  a  bordo  del 
barco  para  hacer  con  61  la  campana  contra  Estrada. 

The  men  who  returned  on  the  Turrialba  were:  William  Kica, 
Charles  Fitzsimmons,  Peter  Lumland,  Fritz  Hellman,  C.  Boville, 
A.  Beberling,  and  Paul  Flether. 


44  NICARAGUA^  AFFAIRS. 

[Translation.] 
DELEGATE  OF  THE  EXECUTIVE  TO  COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF. 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  6/11/1910. 
COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF: 

I  transcribe  to  you  a  translation  of  the  communication  I  received 
from  the  Paducah,  together  with  my  reply,  which  read,  respectively: 

No.  314,  U.  S.  S.  "PADUCAH," 
ANCHORED  IN  FRONT  OF  BLUEFIELDS,  NICARAGUA, 

May  25,  1910. 

SIR:  In  reference  to  my  proclamation  dated  May  16,  1910,  a  copy  of  which,  etc. 
permit  me  to  inform  you  that  I  have  received  the  following  order  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  Navy : 

"The  policy  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States  regarding  the  announced 
blockade  of  Bluefields,  etc., 

Very  respectfully,  ''MEYER." 

V.  V.  GILMOUR, 

Commander,  United  States  Navy, 

Commanding  U.  S.  S.  "Paducah,"  Senior  Officer  Present. 
Gen.  J.  IRIAS, 

U.S.S.  "Venus." 

EL  BLUFF,  May  31, 1910. 

SIR:  I  refer  to  your  favor,  dated  the  25th  instant,  relative  to  the  attitude  of  your 
Government  in  regard  to  the  probable  blockade  of  Bluefields  and  in  which,  among  other 
things,  you  transcribed  the  following  which  you  had  received  from  the  Secretary  of 

the  Navy: 

*  *  ***** 

MEYER. 

I  have  explained  verbally  to  you  the  Venus  matter  and  the  several 
judicial  incidents  that  took  place  in  connection  with  its  departure 
from  the  United  States ;  moreover,  I  showed  to  you  the  original  docu- 
ment which  upon  my  application  the  consul  of  His  Brittanic  Majesty 
in  San  Juan  del  Norte  drew  up,  a  copy  of  which  was  left  with  you 
and  which  reads  literally : 

Upon  the  application  of  the  Delegate  of  the  Executive,  Dr.  and  General  Julian 
Iriae  I  certify  that  the  steamer  Venus  which  arrived  at  this  Port  under  the  British 
flag,  proceeding  from  New  Orleans,  United  States  of  America,  consigned  to  the  Gov- 
ernment of  Nicaragua,  was  delivered  to  said  Government  by  the  Captain  J.  F.  H. 
Nland  and  that  the  transfer  of  the  flag  was  made  in  accordance  with  the  law,  the 
certificate  of  sale  having  been  presented  and  the  Captain  having  delivered  to  me  the 
certificate  of  register  and  other  documents  belonging  to  the  boat  and  having  lowered 
the  english  flag  with  the  proper  formalities  as  required  by  law  I  grant  the  present  in 
San  Juan  del  Norte,  Nic.,  the  21st  of  May,  1910. 

H.  F.  BINGHAM, 
H.B.M.  Consul. 

Five  shilling  stamp,  cancelled. 

Seal  of  British  consulate,  Grey  town. 

The  commander  will  very  well  understand  from  the  document 
transcribed  that  the  Venus  as  an  English  steamer  legitimately  sailed 
from  an  American  port,  that  in  Nicaraguan  territory  the  transfer 
of  said  ship  to  the  Nicaraguan  Government  was  effected  which  has 
had  a  perfect  right  to  employ  it  as  it  deems  most  advisable,  and 
therefore  the  American  Navy  Department,  always  respectful  of  the 
rights  of  a  sovereign  and  independent  government,  will,  soon  as  you 
bring  to  its  knowledge  the  above  expressed  opinions,  recognize  that 
the  steamer  Venus  enjoys  all  the  privileges  of  a  vessel  of  war. 

With  every  consideration,  I  am, 

Your  obedient  servant,  •  J.  IRIAS, 

Delegate  of  the  Executive. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  45 

[Copia.] 

SAN  JUAN  NORTE,  2/6/1910—9  a.  m. 

COMANDANTE    GENERAL:  » 

Las  comunicaciones  que  le  he  trascrito  ya  estara  U.  al  tanto  de  la 
oposicion  que  sostiene  la  Sria  de  Marina  Americana  referente  a  que 
el  Venus  no  puede  usarse  para  mantener  un  bloqueo  y  tanto  por  eso 
como  por  siendo  nosotros  los  poseedores  del  Bluff  y  por  lo  que  dispone 
el  Art.  5°  de  la  oficina  de  Aduana  prefer!  cerrar  el  puerto  en  lugar 
de  declararlo  bloqueado. 

Trascribo  a  U.  el  decreto  respective  y  el  cual  dice: 

Julian  Irias,  delegado  del  supremo  ppder  ejecutivo  en  uso  de  sus  facultades  con- 
siderando  que  el  Gobierno  de  la  Republica  ha  tornado  posesion  efectiva  de  la  fortaleza 
de  El  Bluff  y  sus  dependencias  entre  las  cuales  se  encuentra  la  aduana.  Que  para 
destruir  cuanto  antes  la  insurreccion  encabezada  por  el  General  Juan  J.  Estrada  se 
hace  necesario  dictar  medidas  de  caracter  transitorio  que  conduzcan  a  tal  fin.  Que 
la  mente  del  Gobierno  es  la  de  no  restringir  sino  ayudar  al  comercio  interior  y  exterior 
de  la  Republica  hasta  donde  lo  permitan  los  obstaculos  que  la  insurreccion  opone. 
Que  el  cierre  temporal  total  de  un  puerto  es  facultad  inherente  a  la  soberania  del 
pads,  decreta:  1°.  Se  cierra  el  puerto  de  Bluefields  por  el  tiempo  estrictamente  indis- 
pensable para  restablecer  el  orden  en  dicha  ciudad.  2°.  Las  pdlizas  de  marcaderias 
que  hayan  salido  hasta  la  fecha  6  salgan  del  puerto  de  origen  hasta  el  1°  del  proximo 
entrante  inclusive  seran  liquidadas  y  pagadas  en  esta  aduana  pero  desde  esa  fecha 
en  adelante  no  se  recibiran  mercaderias  de  ninguna  especie  destinadas  a  la  expresada 
ciudad  de  Bluefields.  3°.  Todas  las  mercaderias  que  vengan  a  la  aduana  del  Bluff 
entransito  para  Laguna  de  Perlas,  Distrito  de  Rio  Grande  y  Distrito  minero  de  Prin- 
zapolka  no  sufriran  atrazo  de  ninguna  especie  y  pagaran  los  derechos  fijados  en  la 
ley  arancelaria  desde  el  15  de  noviembre  de  1902  y  4°.  Los  consules  respectivos  no 
autorizaran  factura  de  ninguna  mercaderia  con  destine  a  la  ciudad  mencionada 
debiendo  por  el  contrario  facilitar  por  todos  los  medios  posibles  el  ensanche  del  comer- 
cio con  las  otras  secciones  arriba  mencionadas.  Dado  en  El  Bluff  a  los  29  dias  del 
mes  de  mayo  de  1910. 

JULIAN  IRIAS, 
G.  SABALLOS,  Srio. 
[Translation.] 

DELEGATE    OF   THE    EXECUTIVE   TO    COMMANDER   IN    CHIEF. 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  6/2,  1910 — 9  a.  m. 
COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF: 

The  communications  already  transcribed  will  inform  you  fully 
as  to  the  opposition  of  the  American  Secretary  of  the  Navy  to  the 
employment  of  the  Venus  in  maintaining  a  blockade,  and  for  this 
reason  and  because  we  are  in  possession  of  El  Bluff  and  in  view  of 
article  5  of  the  customs  regulations  I  preferred  to  close  the  port 
rather  than  to  declare  it  blockaded. 

I  transcribe  to  you  the  respective  decree,  which  reads: 

Julian  Irias,  delegate  of  the  supreme  executive  power,  in  exercise  of  his  functions, 
considering  that  the  Government  of  the  Republic  has  taken  effective  possession  of 
the  fort  of  El  Bluff  and  its  dependencies,  among  them  the  customhouse.  That  in  order 
to  put  down,  as  soon  as  possible,  the  insurrection  headed  by  Gen.  Juan  J.  Estrada 
it  is  necessary  to  adopt  measures  of  a  transitory  character  to  accomplish  that  end: 
That  the  disposition  of  the  Government  is  not  to  restrict  but  to  aid  the  domestic  and 
foreign  commerce  of  the  Republic  as  far  as  the  obstacles  interposed  by  the  insurrection 
permit.  That  the  temporary  closure  of  a  port  is  a  power  inherent  in  the  sovereignty  of 
a  country,  decrees: 

1.  The  port  of  Bluefields  is  closed  for  such  time  as  may  be  absolutely  necessary 
to  reestablish  order  in  the  city. 

2.  The  shipments  of  merchandise  that  may  have  left  up  to  this  date  or  that  may 
leave  the  port  of  departure  up  to  the  1st  proximo,  inclusive,  shall  be  liquidated  and 
paid  in  this  customhouse,  but  from  that  date  forward  no  merchandise  of  any  kind 
whatever  destined  to  the  said  city  of  Bluefields  will  be  received. 


46  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

3.  All  merchandise  that  may  come  to  the  customhouse  of  El  Bluff  in  transit  for 
Laguna  de  Perlas,  district  of  Rio  Grande,  and  mining  district  of  Prinzapolka  will 
suffer  no  delay,  and  shall  pay  the  duties  fixed  by  the  tariff  law  of  November  15,  1902; 
and, 

4.  The  respective  consuls  will  certify  no  invoice  or  merchandise  destined  to  said 
city,  and  must,  on  the  contrary,  facilitate  by  every  possible  means  the  expansion  of 
commerce  with  the  other  sections  above  mentioned. 

Done  at  El  Bluff  the  29th  day  of  the  month  of  May,  1910. 

JULIAN  IRIAS, 

G.  SABALLOS,  Secretary. 

[Copia.] 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  del  3  de  Jumo,  1910 — 5  p.  m. 

Si*.  COMANDANTE    GENERAL. 

A  las  6  p.  m.  de  ayer  el  senor  Comandante  del  vapor  de  guerra 
americano  Paducah  me  ha  notificado  que  su  gobierno  ha  resuelto 
quitarnos  el  derecho  de  impedir  que  los  vapores  mercantes  sean 
detenidos  en  esta  aduana  para  su  debido  registro  y  pago  de  derechos, 
haciendolos  pasar  direct  a  men  te  a  Schonnen  Key  para  desembarcar. 
Al  tomar  nosotros  esta  fortaleza  estaba  muerta  de  manera  practica 
la  revolucion  por  fait  a  de  element  os  de  guerra  y  boca.  No  omito 
manifestarle  que  el  referido  Comandante  del  Paducah  habia  contes- 
tado  con  el  Delegado  del  Ejecutivo  que  se  encuentra  en  Greytown 
en  que  todo  buque  seria  regustrado  liquidada  su  rnercancia  y  paga- 
dos  sus  derechos  en  este  puerto.  Con  esta  disposicion,  como  U. 
comprendera  el  Gobierno  de  los  Estados  Unidos  protege  de  una 
manera  directa  los  intereses  revolucionarios,  puesto  que  impune- 
mente  y  bajo  cualquier  bandera  les  seguiran  entrando  element  os 
de  guerra  a  la  revolucion  y  en  ese  caso  el  heroismo,  las  vidas  de 
muchos  de  nuestros  companeros  de  armas  y  la  sangre  derramada 
ha  sido  infructuosos. 

F.  M.  RIVAS, 

El  Mayor  General. 

[Translation.] 

GEN.   RIVAS    TO    COMMANDER    IN    CHIEF. 

• 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  June  3,  1910 — 5  p.  m. 
COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF  : 

At  6  p.  m.  yesterday  the  commander  of  the  American  ship  of  war 
Paducah  notified  me  that  his  Government  has  decided,  in  spite  of 
our  rights,  to  prevent  merchant  ships  from  being  detained  at  this 
customhouse  for  entry  and  the  payment  of  duties,  compelling  them 
to  pass  directly  to  schooner  Key  for  unloading.  When  we  took 
this  fort  the  revolution  was  practically  dead,  without  munitions  of 
and  provisions.  I  must  inform  you  that  the  said  commander  of 
the  Paducha  replied  to  the  delegate  of  the  executive,  who  was  in 
Greytown,  that  every  boat  would  be  entered,  its  merchandise  liqui- 
dated, and  its  duties  paid  in  the  port.  By  this  attitude,  as  you  will 
understand,  the  Government  of  the  United  States  protects  directly 
the  revolutionary  interests,  because  with  impunity  and  under  what- 
ever flag  munitions  of  war  will  continue  to  reach  the  revolution,  and 
in  such  case  the  loss  of  the  lives  of  many  of  our  comrades  in  arms 
and  the  shedding  of  blood  has  been  fruitless. 

F.  M.  RIVAS, 
The  General  in  Command. 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  47 

[Depositado  en  San  Juan  del  Norte  a  las  6  p.  m.  del  3  de  junio,  1910.     Recibido  en  Campo  de  Marte  a"  las 

7:30 'a.  m.  4  de  junio,  1910.] 

COMANDANTE    GENERAL: 

La  siguiente  es  la  traduccion  de  una  copia  en  que  el  Comandante 
del  Paducah  hace  acompanada  de  una  nota  al  Gral  Rivas  al  dia 
siguiente  de  haber  salido  y  la  que  me  ha  traido  el  Coronel  Midence 
Irias  : 

WASHINGTON,  31  de  mayo  de  1910. 
CONSUL  AMERICANO,  Bluefields: 

Para  que  U.  quede  enterado,  la  secretaria  de  marina  ha  cablegrafiado  al  Coman- 
dante Gilmor  las  ordenes  siguientes:  La  actitud  de  los  Estados  Unidos  es  precisa- 
mente  la  misma  que  se  expuso  en  la  carta  del  secretario  de  Estado  a  Rodriguez,  el 
1°  de  Diciembre  de  1909  la  cual  continua  siendo  aplieable  enteramente  a  la  situa- 
cion  actual,  la  captura  por  la  faccion  Madriz  de  la  antigua  aduana  del  Bluff  no  afecta 
el  hecho  de  que  Bluefields  con  cierto  territoria  adyacente  para  el  cual  mercancias 
que  hasta  ahora  han  pasado  por  esa  aduana  se  destinan,  parmanezca  como  hasta 
ahora  bajo  la  jurisdicion  de  facto  de  la  faccion  de  Estrada.  Este  Gobierno  por  lo 
tanto  permite  a  la  faccion  de  Estrada  el  cobro  de  los  derechos  aduaneros  de  Blue- 
fields  y  niega  este  derecho  a  la  otra  faccion  por  la  razon  de  que  este  Gobierno  no 
reconoce  a  ninguna  de  las  dos  facciones  como  Gobierno  de  Nicaragua,  sino  simple- 
mente  como  Gobierno  de  facto  dominando  partes  del  pais  y  proclamas  de  cualquiera 
de  las  partes  son  inconstitucionales  sin  esta  actitud.  El  consul  en  Bluefields  nos 
informa  que  la  balandra  nacional  Adelaida  de  propiedad  americana  ha  sido  detenida 
por  la  faccion  Madriz  y  que  la  goleta  de  propiedad  americana  "Esfuerzo"  fue  detenida 
y  su  carga  confiscada  por  aquellos  que  dominan  el  Bluff.  Este  Gobierno  niega 
derecho  de  cual  quiera  de  los  contendientes  para  confiscar  embarcaciones  6  propiedad 
americanas  sin  permiso  y  recompensa  de  sus  dueftos.  En  tales  casos  U.  inmediata- 
mente  obrara  de  acuerdo  con  esta  politica.  listed  no  tificara  inmediatamente  a 
ambas  facciones  y  a  los  empleados  de  lo  que  queda  dispuesto. 

WILSON. 

Para  su  nejor  inteligencia  conviene  que  le  advierta  que,  segun  el 
consul  americano  Moffat,  pocos  dias  antes  de  que  nosotros  tomaramos 
el  Bluff,  el  Gral  Juan  Estrada  habia  trasladado  la  aduana  del  Bluff 
en  donde  legalmente  esta  establecida  sin  edificios  que  se  llama 
Schooner  Key,  que  solo  sirve  para  reparar  goletas,  situada  en  el 
fondo  de  la  bahia  y  a  la  entrada  de  Rio  Escondido,  y  la  que  segun  el 
criterio  del  comandante  del  Paducah  y  del  consul  Moffat  es  la  que 
constituye  "scrito"  territorio  adyacente  para  el  cual  mercanciss  que 
hasta  ahora  han  pasado  para  esta  aduana  se  destinan.  Como  con- 
secuencia  de  lo  trascrito,  el  senor  comandante  del  Paducah,  exigio 
que  el  vapor  Imperator  procedente  de  los  Estados  Unidos  y  del  Cabo 
de  Gracias  a  Dios  entrara  directamente  en  Schooner  Key  sin  permitir 
que  se  le  registrara  y  mucho  menos  que  dejara  la  mercaderia  en  el 
Bluff.  Precisa  tener  presente  que  en  ese  vapor  iban  los  senores 
Sanchez  revolucionarios  y  administrador  de  la  aduana  del  Cabo  de 
Gracias  a  Dios  y  el  Dr.  Alberto  Lopez,  revolucionario  prodedente  de 
New  Orleans. 

La  aseveracion  relativa  a  la  goleta  Esfuerzo  es  absolutamente  falsa 
y  referente  a  la  goleta  Adelaida  ha  sido  alterada  maliciosamente  por 
el  Consul  informante,  pues  esa  goleta,  el  agente  especial  en  Laguna 
de  Perlas  la  cedio  voluntariamente  en  virtud  de  la  clausula  respectiva 
del  contrato  de  la  empresa  con  el  gobierno  a  nuestro  representante 
en  aquel  puerto.  Pero  como  el  superintendente  Gral  de  la  empresa 
que  reside  en  Bluefields  Senor  Piazza,  la  reclamo  por  medio  del 
comandante  del  Paducah  y  en  el  acto  se  devolvio. 

JULIAN  IRIAS, 
Delegado  del  Ejecutivo. 


48  NICARAGUAN    AFFAIRS. 

[Translation.]     - 
DELEGATE    OF    THE    EXECUTIVE    TO    THE    COMMANDER    IN    CHIEF. 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  June  3,  1910 — 6  p.  m. 
(Received  Campo  de  Norte,  June  4,  1910 — 7.30  a.  m.) 
COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF: 

The  following  is  a  translation  of  a  copy  which  accompanied  a  note 
from  the  commander  of  the  Paducah  to  Gen.  Rivas  the  day  after  he 
had  left  and  which  Col.  Midence  Irias  has  brought  to  me: 

WASHINGTON,  May  31,  1910. 
AMERICAN  CONSUL,  Bluefields: 

For  your  information,  the  Department  of  the  Navy  has  cabled  Commander  Gilmor 
the  following  orders: 

#  •*  *  *  *  #  •* 

WILSON. 

For  your  better  information,  it  is  well  to  mention  that  according 
to  American  Consul  Moffatt,  a  few  days  before  we  took  El  Bluff, 
Gen.  Juan  J.  Estrada  had  moved  the  customhouse  of  El  Bluff  to  a 
place  called  Schooner  Key,  where  it  is  legally  established  without 
buildings,  simply  a  place  of  repair  for  schooners  and  situated  at 
the  head  of  the  bay,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Escondido,  and  which 
in  the  judgment  of  the  commander  of  the  Paducah  and  Consul 
Moffatt  is  what  constitutes  contiguous  "scrits"  territory,  to  which 
merchandise,  that  until  now  had  entered  at  that  customhouse,  is 
destined.  In  consequence  of  what  has  been  transcribed,  the  com- 
mander of  the  Paducah  insisted  that  the  steamer  Emperador,  proceed- 
ing from  the  United  States  and  Cape  Gracias  a  Dios  enter  Schooner 
Key  direct,  without  permitting  it  to  enter,  and  much  less  to  land  its 
cargo  at  El  Bluff.  It  should  be  observed  that  on  board  this  steamer 
were  a  Senor  Sanchez,  revolutionist  and  collector  of  customs  at  Cape 
Gracias  a  Dios  and  Dr.  Alberto  Lopez,  a  revolutionist  coming  from 
New  Orleans. 

The  statement  relative  to  the  schooner  Esfuerzo  is  absolutely  false, 
and  relative  to  the  schooner  Adelaide  has  been  maliciously  altered 
by  the  informant  consul,  for  the  special  agent  in  Laguna  de  Perlas 
ceded  the  schooner  voluntarily  to  our  representative  in  that  port  by 
virtue  of  the  contract  of  the  company  with  the  Government,  but  as 
the  general  superintendent  of  the  company,  who  resides  in  Bluefields, 
Senor  Piazza  reclaimed  it  through  the  commander  of  the  PaducaJi  it 
was  immediately  returned. 

JULIAN  IRIAS, 
Delegate  of  the  Executive. 

[Depositado  en  San  Juan  del  Norte  4  las  9  p.  m.  del  7  junio,  1910.     Recibido  en  Campo  Marte  &  las  8.50, 

8  junio,  1910.] 

COMANDANTE    GENERAL! 

Acabo  de  recibir  un  correo  del  Gral.  Rivas  y  me  envia  copia  de  la 
siguiente  nota  que  dice : 

AL  COMANDANTE  DEL  "PADUCAH:" 

EL  BLUFF,  NICARAGUA,  5  de  junio  de  1910, 

Sirve  la  presente  para  poner  on  su  conocimiento  que  teniendo  pruebas  de  que  el 
trafico  de  las  embarcaciones  que  vienen  con  procedencia  de  Bluefields  y  salen  para 
ciertos  puntos  de  la  costa  Nicaraguense  estan  sirviendo  para  ayudar  los  planes  de  los 
revolutionaries  circunscritos  a  la  ciudad  de  Bluefields  y  con  solo  perjuicio  de  las 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIKS.  49 

fuerzas  de  mi  mando,  no  permitire  por  mas  tiempo  su  libre  transito  ppr  la  parte  de  la 
bahia  que  tengo  comunicado  por  los  canones  de  mis  fortalezas  6  fortificaciones.  No 
hay  ley  htimana  que  pueda  restringir  esta  medida  que  autoriza  dar  el  fruto  de  esta 
victoria  que  tantos  sacrificios  costo.  En  consecuencia  impedire  la  entrada  6  salida  a 
cualquiera  embarcacion  mercante-  que  intente  cruzar  la  parte  que  tengo  dominada 
antes  que  sean  registradps  6  hasta  cerciorarme  de  que  no  se  conduce  a  su  bordo  ele- 
mentos  de  guerra  6  individuos  que  hayan  tornado  armas  en  la  revolucion,  para  mientras 
recibo  instrucciones  de  mi  Gobierno  aclarandome  esta  situacion  tan  ambigua.  Esta 
disposicion  la  hare  efectiva  con  los  vapores  de  la  S.  B.  S.  Co.,  las  embarcaciones  de  la 
A.  N.  Co.  las  de  belangers,  Nic.,  de  la  Cuckra  C£  y  demas  embarcaciones  que  segun 
documentos  en  mi  poder  han  servido  para  atacar  nuestras  fuerzas.  Entre  otros  el  vapor 
Dacia  que  tres  dias  antes  de  pasar  con  bandera  americana  al  frente  de  estra  fortaleza 
habia  atacado  armado  a  un  piquete  de  nuestras  fuerzas  en  su  comision,  matando  a  uno 
de  nuestros  soldados.  El  caso  del  Marietta  di  Gorgio  es  del  dominio  publico  y  todavia 
anoche  se  me  informo  que  etras  de  las  embarcaciones  que  solo  al  pasar  al  frente  de  esta 
fortaleza  enarbolan  bandera  americana,  alegaba  a  una  de  mis  avanzadas  situadas  en 
Half  Way  Key,  armado  en  guerra. 

F.  M.  RIVAS. 
Al  Seiior  Comandante  W.  W.  GILLMER, 

SS.  "Paducah." 

La  consecuencia  de  esa  nota  es  que  los  comandantes  del  Paducah 
j  Dubuque  personalmente  fueron  a  tierra  y  manifestaron  al  GraL 
Rivas  que  harian  respetar  con  el  fuego  de  sus  canones  la  orden  del 
departamento  de  Estado  en  que  le  instruian  proteger  al  comercio  amer- 
icano  aunque  este  consistiese  en  armas  y  municiones  para  la  revolucion. 
Que  a  cada  barco  que  entrase  6  salie  se  de  la  bahia  les  pon  drian 
marines  americanos  a  bordo  y  que  un  disparo  contra  una  de  esas 
embarcaciones  de  nuestra  parte  significaria  declarar  la  guerra  a  los 
Estados  Unidos. 

JULIAN  IRIAS, 
Delegado  del  Ejecutivo. 

[Translation.] 
DELEGATE    OF   THE    EXECUTIVE    TO   THE    COMMANDER   IN    CHILE. 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  June  7,  1910 — 9  p.  m. 
(Received  Campo  de  Marte,  June  8,  1910—8.50.) 

COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF: 

I  have  just  received  a  mail  from  Gen.  Rivas  and  he  sends  me  a  copy 
of  the  following  note: 

EL  BLUFF,  NICARAGUA,  June  5,  1910. 
COMMANDER  OF  THE  "PADUCAH": 

This  letter  is  to  inform  you  that,  having  proofs  that  the  traffic  of  boats  that  come  from 
Bluefields  and  sail  for  certain  points  on  the  Nicaraguan  coast  is  aiding  the  plans  of 
the  revolutionists  about  the  city  of  Bluefields,  and  prejudicial  to  the  forces  under  my 
command,  I  will  no  longer  permit  their  free  passage  of  the  part  of  the  bay  within  the 
range  of  the  guns  of  my  forts  or  fortifications.  There  is  no  human  law  which  can 
restrict  this  measure  which  authorizes  giving  to  others  the  fruits  of  this  victory  which 
cost  so  many  sacrifices.  Therefore,  I  will  prevent  the  entrance  or  departure  of  any 
merchant  boat  that  attempts  to  cross  the  section  that  I  dominate,  until  they  are  regu- 
larly entered  or  I  am  convinced  that  they  do  not  carry  munitions  of  war  or  persons 
who  have  taken  up  arms  in  the  revolution,  until  I  receive  instructions  from  my  Gov- 
ernment clarifying  this  very  ambiguous  situation.  This  disposition  I  shall  make 
effective  with  the  steamers  of  the  S.  B.  S.  Co.,  the  boats  of  the  A.  N.  Co.,  those  of 
Belangers,  Nic.  de  la  Cuckra  Co.,  and  other  boats  that,  according  to  documents  in  my 
possession,  have  served  to  attack  our  forces.  Among  others  the  steamer  Dacia,  which 
three  days  before  it  passed  in  front  of  this  fort  flying  the  American  flag  had  made 
armed  attack  on  a  picket  of  our  forces,  killing  one  of  our  soldiers.  The  case  of  the 
Marietta  di  Gorgio  is  public  and  yet  I  was  informed  last  night  that  it  was  stated  to  one 

78467—13 4 


50  NICAKAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

of  my  olitposts  that  others  of  the  vessels  fly  the  American  flag  only  when  passing  in 
front  of  the  fort  armed  for  war. 

F.  M.  RIVAS. 
Commander  W.  H.  GILMOR, 

Steamship  "Paducah."  « 

The  result  of  this  note  was  that  the  commanders  of  the  Paducah 
and  the  Dubuque  went  personally  ashore  and  informed  Gen.  Rivas 
that  they  would  make  respected,  with  the  fire  of  their  guns,  the  order 
of  the  Department  of  State  instructing  them  to  protect  American 
commerce,  though  it  should  consist  of  arms  and  munitions  for  the 
revolution:  that  aboard  every  boat  entering  or  leaving  the  bay  they 
would  place  American  marines,  and  that  a  shot  at  one  of  these  boats 
coming  from  us  would  signify  a  declaration  of  war  against  the  United 
States. 

JULIAN  IRIAS, 
Delegate  of  the  Executive. 

BLUFF,  a  las  5  p.  m.,  del  23  de  Julio  de  1910. 
Al  COM  AND  ANTE  GENERAL,  Managua: 

El  Sr.  Delegado  del  Ejecutivo  me  trascribip  de  San  Juan  del  Norte 
el  telegrama  que  U.  le  dirijio  a  el  trascribiendole  el  cable  del  Sr. 
C6nsul  General  de  Noruega  en  la  Habana;  tambien  me  trascribe  los 
telegramas  en  que  le  habla  de  los  vapores  Hiriam  y  Ulstein  y  me  dio 
instrucciones  de  lo  que  debia  hacer  a  la  llegada  de  dichos  vapores. 
Cpmo  se  me  anuncio  que  estaba  a  la  vista  vapor,  crei  fuera  el  Hiriam, 
hice  dos  comunicaciones,  una  dirijida  al  Capitan  del  vapor  y  otra  al 
Comandante  de  las  fuerzas  navales  de  Estados  Unidos  frente  a  esta 
fortaleza.  La  primera  dice: 

BLUFF,  Zl  de  Julio  de  1910. 
Sefior  CAPITAN  DEL  VAPOR  "  HIRIAM," 

Frente  al  Bluff: 

Trascrfbole:  "  Aqui  el  cable  trascrito  por  el  Senor  Delegado  del  Ejecutivo  y  dirijido 
por  el  Sr.  C6nsul  General  de  Noruega  en  la,  Habana  tengo  informes  fidedignos  que  U. 
trae  elementos  de  guerra  a  bordo  para  la  revoluci6n  encabezada  por  el  General  Juan  J. 
Estrada;  en  consecuencia  y  de  confprmidad  con  la  clausula  del  cable  antes  trascrito, 
prevengo  a  U.  entegar  a  este  mando  dichos  elementos  y  de  no  hacerlo  asf ,  sera  confiscado 
el  vapor  de  su  mando  de  conformidad  con  las  leyes  de  mi  pais,  declinando  en  U.  de 
una  vez  toda  responsabilidad,  y  ademds,  le  advierto  que  la  conducta  que  U.  observe 
en  este  asunto,  la  pondre  en  conocimiento  de  mi  Gobierno  para  que  el  a  su  vez  la 
ponga  en  conocimiento  del  Gobierno  de  Noruega  si  asi  lo  estimare  conveniente. 

"No  dudo  que  U.  penetradp  de  la  justicia  y  derecho  que  nos  asisten  no  opondra 
dificultad  para  la  entrega  de  dichos  elementos.  El  presente  es  duplicado  para  que  al 
pie*  de  uno  de  los  ejemplares,  se  sirva  acusafme  recibo.  De  U.  SS., 

"F.  M.  RIVAS, 

"Inspector  General  de  la  Costa  Atlantica." 
Y  la  seguna  es  como  sigue: 

EL  BLUFF,  21  de  Julio  de  1910. 

SENOR:  Me  permito  trascribir  a  U.  la  comunicacion  que  con  fecha  16  del  mes  y  afio 
corrientes,  he  recibido  del  Sr.  Delegado  del  Ejecutivo: 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  16  de  julio  de  1910. 
Senor  General  don  FERNANDO  M.  RIVAS,  El  Bluff. 

Con  fecha  12  del  corriente  mes,  me  dice  el  Senor  Presidente  por  telegrafo,  que  el 
Sr.  Ministro  General,  Dr.  Baca,  ha  recibido  del  C6nsul  General  de  Noruega  en  la 
Habana  el  eiguiente  cable:  Aquf  el  cable,  Este  mando  ha  tenido  noticias  fidedignas  que 
el  vapor  Hiriam  trae  elementos  de  guerra  para  la  revoluci6n  que  encabeza  el  General 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  51 

Juan  J.  Estrada.  Dirijo  ima  comunicacion  al  Capitan  de  dicho  vapor  pidiendole  la 
•entrega  de  dichos  elementos  a  este,  apoyado  en  los  conceptos  del  cable  antes  trascrito. 
No  dudo  que  TL,  impuesto  de  dicho  cable,  se  convencera  de  la  justicia  y  derecho  que 
nps  asisten,  al  expedir  dichas  ordenes  a  las  cuales  creo  no  pondra  dificultades  de 
ninguna  especie  y  caso  tuviera  objecion  que  hacer,  espero  se  servira  participarmelo 
por  escrito  antes  de  que  U.  permita  la  entrada  del  vapor  Hiriam  para  Bluefields,  cosa 
que  dudo  por  el  convencimiento  que  tengo  de  la  naturalidad  (neutralidad)  del  Gobierno 
suyo  y  del  modo  como  U.  lo  ha  sabido  interpretar.  De  U.  atto.  SS. 

F.  M.  RIVAS, 
Inspector  General  de  la  Costa  Atlantica. 

AL   COMANDANTE    DE    LAS    FUERZAS    NAVALES    DE    EE.  UU. 

Frente  al  Bluff. 
Este  me  contesto  lo  siguiente: 

No.  B,  61  LO  U.  S.  A.  "DUBUQUE,"  SRD  RATE, 

Bluefields,  Nicaragua,  C.  A.,  July  22,  1910.^ 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  communication  of  July  21, 
1910.  I  will  require  the  steamers  to  anchor  near  my  ship  until  status  of  her  cargo  is 
determined.  I  shall  then  take  such  action  as  the  circumstances  demand,  in  accord- 
ance with  instructions  from  my  Government  in  regard  to  protecting  American  com- 
merce and  preserving  neutrality. 

Very  respectfully,  H.  R.  RINES, 

Commander,  United  States  Navy, 
Commanding  Sailor  Officer  Present  on  the  East  Coast  of  Nicaragua. 

Gen.  FERNANDO  M.  RIVAS, 

Commanding  El  Bluff ,  Nicaragua,  C.  A. 

Anoche  llego  el  vapor  Ulstein;  inmediatamente  le  mande"  un  oficio 
igual  al  que  diriji  al  Capitan  del  Hiriam;  pero  se  nego  &  recibirlo, 
manifestando  que  si  algo  querian  con  61,  que  se  entendieran  con  el 
Comandante  del  Dubuque.  La  comunicaciones  fueron  entregadas  a 
6ste  Jefe,  el  cual  manifesto  que  no  respondia  de  que  el  Capitan  del 
Ulstein  quisiera  6  no  recibir  la  comunicacion,  ni  mucho  menos  firmar 
el  duplicado  que  le  mandaba  como  comprobante  de  que  le  habia 
enviado  dicha  comunicacion.  Ademas,  el  Comandante  del  Dubuque 
manifesto  a  los  senores  General  Francisco  Altschul  y  don  Ofilio 
Arguellp,  que  me  sirve  de  interprete,  que  61  era  partidario  de  los 
revolucionarios,  y  que  le  habia  dicho  al  Capitan  del  Ulstein  que  si 
queria  no  se  pusiera  en  comunicacion  con  nosotros,  que  el  lo  aopoyaba 
de  una  manera  incodicional,  y  al  efecto  le  puso  soldados  y  le  orden6 
entrara  al  puerto  de  Bluefields,  lo  que  verifico  hoy. 

He  dirijido  una  protesta  al  representante  del  C6nsul  de  Noruega 
en  Bluefields,  encabezando  dicha  protesta  con  la  trascripcion  del 
cable  del  Consul  General  de  Noruega  en  la  Habana.  Esta  comuni- 
cacion sera  remitida  a  su  destino  por  medio  del  Comandante  del 
Dubuque  en  caso  quiera  llevarla,  dada  la  hostilidad  de  este  oficial  de 
la  Armada  Americana,  dudo  llegue  a  su  destino. 

Mientras  en  esta  no  haya  una  embarcacion  de  guerra  al  mando  de 
un  Jefe  neutral  que  permanezca  (pertenezca)  a  otra  naci6n,  los 
intereses  del  Gobierno  de  U.  estan  a  merced  de  los  oficiales  de  la 
Armada  Americana,  que  se  inspiran  en  los  consejos  del  Consul 
Americano  en  Bluefields,  que  es  mas  revolucionario  que  Estrada  y 
Chamorro.  Su  subalterno. 

F.  M.  RIVAS. 


52  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

[Translation.] 
GEN.  RIVAS    TO    COMMANDER    IN    CHIEF. 

BLUFF,  July  23,  1910—5  p.  m, 
COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF, 

Managua: 

The  delegate  of  the  executive  transcribed  to  me  from  San  Juan  del 
Norte  the  telegram  that  you  sent  him  transcribing  the  cable  from  the 
consul  general  of  Norway  in  Habana ;  he  also  transcribed  the  telegrams 
speaking  of  the  steamers  Hiriam  and  Ulstein,  and  gave  me  instructions 
as  to  what  I  should  do  upon  the  arrival  of  said  steamers.  When  I  was 
advised  that  a  steamer  was  in  sight,  which  I  believed  to  be  the 
Hiriam,  I  addressed  two  communications,  one  to  the  captain  of  the 
steamer,  the  other  to  the  commander  of  the  naval  forces  of  the  United 
States  in  front  of  this  fort.  The  first  said: 

BLUFF,  July  21,  1910. 
CAPTAIN  OF  THE  STEAMER  " HIRIAM," 

In  front  of  El  Bluff: 

I  transcribe  to  you  [here  the  cable  transcribed  by  the  delegate  of  the  executive- 
and  sent  by  the  consul  general  of  Norway  in  Habana] : 

I  have  reliable  information  that  you  have  on  board  munitions  of  war  for  the  revolu- 
tion headed  by  Gen.  Juan  J.  Estrada;  therefore,  and  in  conformity  with  the  terms  of 
the  cable  above  transcribed,  I  give  you  notice  to  deliver  to  me  said  munitions,  and, 
in  case  of  refusal,  the  ship  under  your  command  will  be  confiscated  in  accordance  with 
the  laws  of  my  country,  the  entire  responsibility  being  in  you;  and,  moreover,  I  warn 
you  that  the  course  you  pursue  in  this  matter  will  be  reported  to  my  Government  so 
that,  should  it  be  deemed  advisable,  it  may  in  turn  bring  said  course  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  Government  of  Norway. 

I  do  not  doubt  that,  convinced  of  the  justice  and  right  of  our  attitude,  you  will  place 
no  difficulty  in  the  way  of  the  delivery  of  said  munitions.     This  communication  is 
sent  in  duplicate  so  that  at  the  foot  of  one  original  you  will  kindly  acknowledge  receipt. 
Your  obedient  servant, 

F.  M.  RIVAS, 
Inspector  General  of  the  Atlantic  Coast. 

And  the  second  is  as  follows: 

EL  BLUFF,  July  21,  1910. 

SIR:  Permit  me  to  transcribe  to  you  the  communication  which,  under  date  of  tr^ 
16th  of  the  present  month  of  this  year,  I  have  received  from  the  delegate  of  the  execu- 
tive: 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  July  16,  1910. 
Gen.  FERNANDO  M.  RIVAS, 

El  Bluff: 

Under  date  of  the  12th  instant  the  President  telegraphed  me  that  the  minister 
general,  Dr.  Baca,  has  received  from  the  consul  general  of  Norway  in  Habana,  the 
following  cable  [here  the  cable]: 

This  office  has  received  reliable  information  that  the  steamer  Hiriam  carries  muni- 
tions of  war  for  the  revolution  headed  by  Gen.  Juan  J.  Estrada.  I  am  addressing  a 
communication  to  the  captain  of  said  steamer  asking  the  delivery  of  said  munitions  to 
me,  supported  by  the  terms  of  the  cable  above  transcribed.  I  do  not  doubt  that  you, 
having  knowledge  of  said  cable,  will  be  convinced  of  the  justice  and  right  of  our 
course  in  issuing  said  orders,  in  the  way  of  whose  execution  I  believe  you  will  place 
no  difficulties  of  any  kind  whatever;  and  in  case  objection  is  going  to  be  made  I  hope 
that  you  will  kindly  inform  me  of  it  in  writing  before  you  permit  the  entrance  of  the 
steamer  Hiriam  into  Bluefields,  which  I  doubt,  because  of  my  conviction  of  the  neu- 
trality of  your  Government  and  the  manner  in  which  you  have  interpreted  it. 
Your  obedient  servant, 

F.  M.  RIVAS, 
Inspector  General  of  the  Atlantic  Coast. 

COMMANDER  OF  THE  NAVAL  FORCES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

In  front  of  El  Bluff. 


NICARAGUA!*  AFFAIRS.  53 

He  replied  to  me  as  follows : 

No.  B,  61,  U.  S.  S.  "DuBUQUE,"  SD  RATE, 

Bluefields,  Nicaragua,  C.  A.  July  22,  1910. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  communication  of  July  21, 
1910.  I  will  require  the  steamers  to  anchor  near  my  ship  until  status  of  her  cargo  is 
determined.  I  shall  then  take  such  action  as  the  circumstances  demand  in  accordance 
with  instructions  from  my  Government  in  regard  to  protecting  American  commerce 
and  preserving  neutrality. 
Very  respectfully, 

H.  R.  RINES, 

Commander  United  States  Navy, 
Commanding  Officer  Present  on  the  East  Coast  of  Nicaragua. 

den.  FERNANDO  M.  RIVAS, 

Commanding  El  Bluff,  Nicaragua,  C.  A. 

Last  night  the  steamer  Ulstein  arrived.  I  immediately  sent  an 
official  communication  identical  with  that  sent  to  the  captain  of 
the  Hiriam;  but  he  refused  to  receive  it,  announcing  that  if  anything 
was  desired  of  him  the  commander  of  the  Dubuque  should  be  treated 
with.  The  communications  were  delivered  to  said  commander,  who 
stated  that  he  would  not  say  whether  or  not  the  captain  of  the 
Ulstein  wished  to  receive  the  communication,  much  less  sign  the  dupli- 
cate sent  him  as  proof  that  said  communication  had  been  sent  to 
him.  Moreover,  the  commander  of  the  Dubuque  stated  to  General 
Francisco  Altschul  and  Don  Ofilio  Arguello,  who  serves  as  my 
interpreter,  that  he  was  a  partisan  of  the  revolutionaries,  and  that 
he  had  said  to  the  captain  of  the  Ulstein  that  if  he  desired  not  to  be 
placed  in  communication  with  us,  he  would  assist  him  unconditionally 
and  to  that  end  he  put  soldiers  aboard  and  ordered  him  to  enter  the 
port  of  Bluefields,  which  he  did  to-day. 

I  have  addressed  a  protest  to  the  representative  of  the  consul  of 
Norway  in  Bluefields,  beginning  said  protest  with  a  copy  of  the 
cable  from  the  consul  general  of  Norway  in  Habana.  This  com- 
munication will  be  forwarded  through  the  commander  of  the  Du- 
luque,  in  case  he  cares  to  take  it,  though,  in  view  of  the  hostility 
of  this  officer  of  the  American  Navy,  I  am  doubtful  that  it  will  reach 
its  destination. 

Meanwhile  there  is  not  here  a  vessel  of  war  under  a  neutral  com- 
mander of  any  other  country,  and  the  interests  of  your  Government 
are  at  the  mercy  of  the  officers  of  the  American  Navy,  who  are 
inspired  by  the  counsels  of  the  American  consul  in  Bluefields,  who  is 
more  of  a  revolutionist  than  Estrada  and  Chamorro. 
Your  subaltern, 

F.  M.  RIVAS. 

[Copia.l 

SAN  JUAN  NORTE,  1.15  del  24  de  Junio  de  1910. 

COMANDANTE    GENERAL. 

El  11  nos  apoderamos  del  Cabo  sin  ninguna  resistencia,  pues  con 
mucha  anticipacion  el  Administrador  Quijano  y  el  Inspector  Fran- 
cisco Bolanos,  se  habian  huido  para  Honduras  dejando  la  plaza  en 
poder  del  Director  de  Policia  Arturo  Enriquez,  a  quien  le  di  toda 
^clase  de  garantias,  el  Coronel  Rafael  Alvarez  quedo  como  Inspector, 


54  NICARAGUAN  AFFAIES. 

Don  Pedro  A.  Blandon  como  Administrador  de  la  Aduana,  Don 
Rafael  Garcia  Contador  y  Tenedor  de  Libros.  En  dicho  lugar  encon- 
tramos  59  rifles. 

El  18  nos  apoderamos  de  Prinzapolka,  despues  de  una  ligera 
resistencia  en  la  que  tuvimos  un  herido  por  nuestra  parte  y  varios 
los  revolucionarios  a  quienes  se  les  quit 6  un  canon  Parott  con  el  que 
hicieron  algunos  disparos  al  San  Jacinto.  Ha  quedado  como  Gober- 
nador  de  ese  lugar  el  Coronel  Don  Enrique  Espinosa  quien  fue  junto* 
con  los  Coroneles  Perdomo,  Carter  e  Irias  que  tonm6  'dicho  lugar. 
Corns  Island  fue  tornado  sin  resistencia  y  quedo  como  Gobernador  el 
Capitan  Jesus  Monterry.  De  Prinzapolka  envie  dos  expediciones 
una  sobre  Wawa  Rivers  y  otra  sobre  Rio  Grande  y  no  dudo  que 
esos  lugares  estan  en  nuestro  poder.  El  Coronel  Gabriel  Salamanca 
lo  he  dejado  como  Gobernador  de  Laguna  de  Perlas.  Relativamente 
nos  tardamos  mucho  tiempo  en  estas  operaciones  porque  en  el  Cabo 
perdimos  6  dias  debido  a  frecuentes  tempestades,  lo  cual  nos  ocasiono 
demasiado  trabajo  y  no  escasos  peligros, 

J.  IRIAS, 
Delegado  del  Ejecutivo. 

[Translation.] 
DELEGATE    OF   THE   EXECUTIVE   TO   THE   COMMANDER   IN   CHIEF. 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  NORTE,  June  24,  1910 — 1 .15. 
COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF: 

On  the  llth  we  took  possession  of  the  cape  without  resistance;  in 
good  tune  the  collector,  Quijano,  and  the  inspector,  Francisco  Bolafios, 
fled  to  Honduras,  leaving  the  place  in  charge  of  Chief  of  Police  Arturo 
Enriquez,  to  whom  I  gave  every  guaranty.  Col.  Rafael  Alvarez 
became  inspector,  Pedro  A.  Blandon,  collector  of  customs,  Rafael 
Garcia,  cashier  and  bookkeeper.  In  said  place  59  rifles  were  found. 

On  the  18th  we  took  Prinzapolka,  after  a  slight  resistance,  in  which 
one  on  our  side  was  wounded  and  several  revolutionists  from  whom 
I  took  a  Parott  gun,  which  they  used  at  San  Jacinto.  Col.  Enrique 
Espinosa,  who  took  said  place  with  Cols.  Perdomo,  Carter,  and  Irias, 
has  been  made  governor.  Corns  Island  was  taken  without  resistance, 
and  Capt.  Jesus  Monterey  became  governor.  From  Prinzapolka  I 
sent  two  expeditions,  one  against  Hawa  River  and  the  other  against 
Rio  Grande,  and  I  do  not  doubt  that  these  places  are  in  our  possession., 
I  have  left  Col.  Gabriel  Salamanca  as  governor  of  Laguna  de  Perlas. 
Relatively  we  are  consuming  much  time  in  these  operations,  for  we 
lost  six  days  in  the  cape  because  of  frequent  storms,  which  brought 
us  much  work  and  many  dangers. 

J.  IRIAS,  Delegate  of  the  Executive*. 


[Copia.] 
[Dep.  San  Jose  CR.  1  p.  m.  del  27  de  junio  de  1910.    Rec.  Managua  10  a.  m.  de  28  de  junio  do  1910.] 

Senor  Dr.  JOSE  MADRIZ: 

Entendido  de  que  se  autorizara  gasto  para  repatriation  de  los  que 
han  llegado;  son  verdaderos  martires  que  han  sufrido  penalidades 
sin  numero  por  no  querer  prestar  sus  servicios  en  Bluefields.  Por 
todos  son  catorce  y  vienen  sin  recursos  de  ninguna  clase.  Nicolas 


NICAKAGUAN  AFFAIKS.  55. 

Gadea  h.,  me  cuenta  que  despues  del  combate  de  Bluefields,  los 
Americanos  que  tienen  sus  cuarteles  en  la  cuidad  y  mandan  alii  como 
verdaderos  duenos  y  despotas,  se  hicieron  cargo  de  los  avanzados 
de  los  tropas  del  gobierno.  Estos  infelices  son  empleados  en  los 
trabajos  mas  abyectos  como  criados  en  los  cuarteles  Americanos  para 
limpiar  pisos,  botar  la  basura,  etc.,  y  que  la  escasa  y  mala  alimentaci6n 
que  reciben  esta  acabando  con  ellos.  Dice  Gadea  que  61  y  todos  tienen 
la  conviccion  de  que  si  los  Americanos  se  retiran  la  revoluci6n  se 
acabaria  sin  disparar  un  solo  tiro.  Su  afmo  amigo  y  S.  S. 

ALCEO  HAZERA. 

[Translation.] 
ALCEO   HAZARA    TO    PRESIDENT   MADRIZ. 

SAN  JOSE,  COSTA  RICA,  June  27,  1910 — 1  p.  m. 

(Received  Managua,  June  28,  1910 — 10  a.  m.) 
Dr.  JOSE  MADRIZ: 

Understand  funds  will  be  authorized  for  repatriation  of  those  that 
have  arrived.  They  are  real  martyrs,  who  have  suffered  numberless 
penalties  for  not  lending  their  services  at  Bluefields.  In  all,  there 
are  14,  and  they  are  without  resources.  Nicolas  Gadea,  jr.,  tells 
me  that  after  the  battle  of  Bluefields  the  Americans,  who  have  their 
barracks  in  the  city  and  command  there  like  real  owners  and  despots, 
took  the  outposts  of  the  Government  troops.  These  unfortunates 
are  employed  in  the  lowest  kind  of  work  as  servants  in  the  American 
barracks,  cleaning  floors,  carrying  put  the  refuse,  etc.,  and  the  scanty 
and  bad  food  they  receive  is  finishing  them.  Gadea  says  that  he  and 
everyone  is  convinced  that  if  the  Americans  retired  the  revolution 
would  end  without  firing  a  single  shot. 

ALCEO  HAZERA. 


[San  Juan  del  Sur,  las  9  y  10  a.  m.  del  5  de  julio  de  1910.    Managua,  las  11  a.  m.  del  5  de  julio  de  1910.]' 

Sefior  PRESIDENTS: 

En  discurso  que  pronunci6  ayer  en  Filadelfia  con  motiyo  de  la 
independencia  americana  Mr.  John  Barrett  refiriendose  a  Nicaragua, 
dijo: 

Se  espera  que  concluira  brevemente  la  revolution.  Crece  la  opinidn  favor  de  for- 
mation de  una  sola  Republica  Centro  Americano  compuesta  de  Guatamela,  Salvador, 
Honduras,  Nicaragua  y  Costa  Rica. 

Afmo.  E.  A.  KELLY. 

[Translation.] 
E.  A.  KELLY  TO  PRESIDENT  MADRIZ. 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  SUR,  July  5,  1910 — 9.10  a.  m. 

(Managua,  July  5,  1910 — 11  a.  m.) 
Mr.  PRESIDENT: 

In  address  delivered  yesterday,  American  Independence  Day,  in 
Philadelphia,  Mr.  John  Barrett,  referring  to  Nicaragua,  said: 

It  is  hoped  that  the  revolution  will  soon  end.  Opinion  grows  favor  formation  of  a. 
single  Central  American  Republic,  composed  of  Guatemala^  Salvador,  Honduras, 
Nicaragua,  and  Costa  Rica. 

E.  A.  KELLY. 


56  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

[Copia.    Cable.] 

COREA,  Washington: 

Gobierno  ha  dado  ordenes  impedir  manifestaciones  antiamericanas 
y  ha  hecho  mas  riguroso  sobre  el  particular  censura  de  prensa. 
fcrobierno  garantiza  seguridad  completa  ciudadanos  americanos. 
Recuerde  cases  de  Fowler,  Jorg.  Cannon,  y  Pittman.  Comuniquelo 
Departamento  de  Estado. 

MADRIZ. 

[Translation.    Cable.] 
PRESIDENT  MADRIZ  TO  NICARAGUAN  MINISTER  IN  WASHINGTON. 

COREA,  Washington: 

Government  has  given  orders  to  prevent  ant i- American  manifesta- 
tions and  has  made  censorship  of  press  in  this  regard  stricter.  Gov- 
ernment guarantees  complete  security  American  citizens.  Recall 
cases  of  Fowler,  Cannon,  and  Pittman.  Communicate  to  Department 
of  State. 

MADRIZ. 


[Copia.] 

Todavia  recuerdan  los  panamenos  el  cable  de  Roosevelt  dirigido 
a  Taft  (entonces  Ministro  de  la  Guerra  de  los  Estados  Unidos)  de 
visita  en  Panama,  durante  las  ultimas  elecciones  presidenciales,  en 
que  con  un  descaro  inaudito,  le  dijo: 

Se  autoriza  a  Ud.  para  decir  al  Presidente  Amador  que  el  Gobierno  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  considera  cualquier  tentativa  de  metodos  fraudulentos  para  negar  a  una 
gran  parte  del  pueblo  la  oportunidad  de  emitir  su  voto  en  la  eleccion  de  Presidente, 
como  un  hecho  que  constituye  perturbacion  del  orden  publico  el  cual,  conforme 
a  la  Constitucion  de  Panama,  requiere  la  intervenci6n  y  que  este  Gobierno  no  permi- 
tira  que  el  Gobierno  de  Panama  pase  a  manos  de  quien  sea  elegido  de  ese  modo.  En 
caso  que  la  intervention  nos  parezca  necesaria,  este  Gobierno  tendra  que  considerar 
que  medidas  tomara  para  corregir  las  faltas  cometidas  e  impedir  su  repetition  en 
adelante. — Roosevelt. 

[Copia  del  aerograma  que  con  fecha  18  del  actual  dirijrj'6  el  Sefior  S.  Lewis  al  Senor  Gobernador  de  Bocas 

del  Toro.] 

Si  barco  llegado  ese  puerto  procedente  Bluefields  tiene  papeles  en 
orden,  permita  desembarco  pasajeros.  Registrelo  cuidadosamente, 
cerciorarse  si  no  contiene  contrabando  de  guerra.  -  Puede  despacharlo 
cualquier  puerto  excepto  Bluefields. 

[Translation.] 

Panamenos  still  remember  the  cable  of  Roosevelt  addressed  to 
Taft  (then  Secretary  of  War  of  the  United  States)  on  a  visit  to  Panama, 
during  the  last  presidential  elections,  in  which,  with  extraordinary 
effrontery,  he  said: 

You  are  authorized  to  say  to  President  Amador  that  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  considers  any  attempt  at  fraudulent  methods  to  deny  to  a  large  part  of  the 
people  the  opportunity  to  vote  in  the  election  for  President  as  an  act  which  constitutes 
a  perturbation  of  public  order  which,  under  the  constitution  of  Panama,  requires 
intervention,  and  that  this  Government  will  not  permit  the  Government  of  Panama 
to  pass  into  the  hands  of  whoever  may  be  elected  in  that  way.  In  case  intervention 
appears  to  us  necessary,  this  Government  will  have  to  consider  the  measures  it  will 
take  to  correct  the  abuses  and  prevent  their  repetition  in  the  future. — Roosevelt. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  57 

{Copy  of  an  aerogram  which,  on  the  18th  instant,  Mr.  S.  Lewis  addresed  to  the  governor  of  Bocas  del 

Toro.] 

If  boat  arrived  that  port,  proceeding  Bluefields,  has  papers  in 
order,  permit  landing  passengers.  Inspect  it  carefully,  making  sure 
whether  it  carries  contraband.  Can  clear  it  for  any  port  except 
Bluefields. 


CABLEGRAM  A  DEL  SR.  MINISTRO  GENERAL  Y  LAS  CONTESTACIONES  DE 
LAS  CANCILLERIAS  DE  LAS  NACIONES  AMIGAS. 

[Copia.    Cablegrams.] 
[Depositado  en  C.  M.  5  p.  m.  del  15-6  de  1910.] 

Exmo  Senor  Secretario  Relaciones  Exteriores  Londres,  Berlin,  Paris, 

Roma,  Madrid,  Buenos  Aires,  Caracas,  Santiago  de  Chile,  Mexico, 

Bogota,  Lima,  Panama: 

Grave  trascendental  asunto  para  Nicaragua  me  obliga  distraer  su 
alt  a  atencion. 

Nuestra  guerra  civil  estaba  para  terminar  con  la  toma  de  Blue- 
fields  por  nuestro  ejercito.  Comandante  Crucero  Americano  Paducah 
desembarco  fuerzas  Bluefields  e  intimo  opondriase  a  nuestra  ocupa- 
cion,  no  obstante  estar  alii  centro  y  fuerzas  de  partido  revolucionario. 

Ocupamos  Bluff,  Have  Bluefields,  venciendo  resistencia  armada  e 
ibamos  establecer  bloqueo.  Gobierno  americano  impidelo  respecto  de 
naves  americanas;  declara  que  impuesto  aduanero  debe  pagarse 
revolucion  que  ha  restablecido  nueva  aduana  en  schooner  Key  y 
exige  se  dejen  entrar  libremente  dichas  naves  f rente  nuestras  posiciones 
aunque  lleven  municiones  para  revolucionarios.  Comandante  Padu- 
cah amenazo  que  hundiria  nuestros  barcos  si  nuestras  fuerzas  ataban 
Bluefields  y  que  haria  respetar  con  sus  canones  comercio  americano 
aunque  fuese  municiones  para  revolucionarios.  Estos  aunque 
reducidos  Bluefields  preparanse  alii  impunemente  para  atacarnos. 
Presidente  Madriz  cable  grafio  estos  hechos  Presidente  Taft,  pidiendo 
neutralidad. 

Al  informarlo  Gobierno  de  V.  E.  solicito  respetuosamente  sus 
buenos  oficios  ante  Cabinete  de  Washington  para  que  se  deje  libre  a 
este  Gobierno  en  la  pacificacion  del  pais  sin  aquellas  restricciones  que 
son  verdadera  causa  de  que  guerra  continue,  con  incalculables  danos 
y  grave  peligro  de  este  -Republica.  Nicaragua  invoca  derechos 
soberania,  principios  universales  de  justicia  y  declaraciones  Gobierno 
Americano  a  favor  naciones  debiles  de  este  Continente.  Confia 
ademas  en  apoyo  moral  de  naciones  amigas.  Suplico  V.  E.  urgente 
recibo  y  me  firmo  con  toda  consideracion  atento  servidor. 

F.  BACA, 
Ministro  General. 

[Copia.] 

MEJICO,  8-35  p.  m.  del  16  de  junio  de  1910. 
Sr.  Emo  Sr.  MINISTRO  GENERAL  DE  NIC.,  Managua: 

Urgente  en  respuesta  al  telegrama  de  Vuecencia  fecha  hoy,  tengo 
la  honra  de  trascribirle  lo  que  el  Senor  Presidente  Diaz  se  ha  servido 
telegrafiar  al  Senor  Presidente  Taft : 

En  la  Secretaria  de  Relaciones  Exteriores  de  Mejico  acaba  de  recivirse  siguiente 
mensaje  telegrafico  precedente  del  Ministro  General  del  Presidente  Madriz  de  Nica- 


58  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

ragua;  aqui  el  mensaje  de  Vuecencia.  Si  los  hechos  son  exactos  en  todos  sus  puntos- 
yo  me  permitiria  encarecer  amistosamente  a  Vuecencia  que  inspirandose  una  vez 
mds  en  el  alto  espiritu  justiciero  que  siempre  ha  distinguido  al  Gobierno  de  los  Estados 
Unidos  de  America,  se  reconsideraran  las  disposiciones  que  Nicaragua  lame'ntase  d 
fin  de  permitir  al  Gobierno  de  Madriz  dentro  de  prudencial  plazo  breve  la  completa 
pacificacion  que  ofrece,  pues  la  prolongacion  de  aquel  estado  de  guerra  quizas  per- 
judique  a  toda  Centroamerica. 

Si  en  alguna  otra  forma  cree  Vuecencia  que  mis  buenos  oficios  sean  utiles  d  la  paci- 
ficacion de  Nicaragua  estare  siempre  dispuesto  a  ejercitarlas. 

PORFIRIO  DIAZ. 

Retorno  a  Vuecencia  sus  sentimientos  de  consider  acion. 

ENRIQUE  C.  CREEL. 

[Copia.] 

PANAMA,  44$  P-  in-  del  18  de  Junio  de  1910. 
Senor  F.  BACA,  Ministro  General: 

Acuso  a  V.  E.  recibo  de  su  comunicacion  cablegrafica  explicando 
situcion  del  Gobierno  de  Nicaragua,  el  panameno  agradece  la  honra 
que  el  de  V.  E.  le  dispensa  y  prestara  la  mayor  atencion  a  los  deseos 
expresados  por  V.  E.  de  que  interponga  sus  buenos  oficios  con  el 
Gooierno  Americano  a  fin  de  que  se  deje  libre  al  Gobierno  del  Presi- 
dente  Madriz  en  la  pacificacion  del  pais  cuando  las  circunstancias 
lo  permitan  me  sera  grato  comunicar  a  V.  E.  la  resolucion  que  tome 
al  respecto  el  Gobierno  de  Panama. 

Reiterome  de  V.  E.   atento  servidor, 

S.  LEWIS, 

Rio  DE  JANEIRO,  a  las  8  a.  m.  del  18  de  Junio  de  1910. 

Senor  MINISTRO  DE  RELACIONES  EXTERIORES, 

Managua: 

Tiv,  a,  honra  de  receber,  o,  telegramma  de  vossa  excellencia  e 
logo  encarregues  a  embaixada  do  Brasil  em  Washington  de  pedir 
informacoes  sobre  o  caso  e  communical  o  desejo  manif estado  por 
vossa  excellencia  mas  eston  convencido  de  que  esse  Governo  con- 
hecera  melhor  e  mais  rapidamente  o  pensamento  do  governo  ameri- 
cano  pela  resposta  que  o  Presidente  Taft  deter  ao  telegramma  do 
Presidente  Madriz  de  que  vossa  excellencia  mos  den  noticia  que  ira 
vossa  excellencia  receber  as  minhas  mais  attentas  sandacoes. 

Rio  BRANCO. 

[Copia.] 

CARACAS,  6.20  p.  m.  del  18  de  junio  de  1910. 
Senor  MINISTRO  GENERAL,  Managua: 

Recibido  cablegrafiamos  Ministro  Venezuela  Washington  lo  sigui- 
ente  Nicaragua  telegrafia  ingerencia  agentes  Estados  Unidos  vea  Srio 
Estado  e  informe. 

MATOS. 

SAN  JUAN  DEL  SUR,  8.55  p.  m.  del  16  de  junio  de  J9JO. 
Oficina.     Nuestro  N°  357.     Exmo  Senor  Ministro  General,  sirvase 
leer.     " Gobierno  de  Estados  Unidos. "     Oficina  del  Cable.) 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  5$ 

[Copia.] 

LIMA,  5.30  p.  m.  del  17  de  junio  de  1910. 
Exmo  Senor  MINISTRO  GENERAL  BACA,  Managua: 

Contestando  el  estimable  cablegarma  de  Vuecencia  me  es  honroso 
expresarle  los  sinceros  votos  del  Peru  por  que  cesen  las  perturb  aciones 
que  agitan  hoy  a  ese  pais  hermano  no  obstante  las  graves  preocu- 
paciones  de  caracter  international  a  que  actualmente  atiende  el  Perl 
nos  sera  grato  estudiar  la  gestion  de  Vuecencia  una  vez  que  obtengamos 
la  informacion  que  corresponde  de  parte  del  Gobierno  Americano  con 
quien  mantenemos  la  misma  cordial  amistad  que  con  el  de  Vuecencia 
esperandp  que  Vuecencia  reconocera  la  justicia  de  esta  espectativa, 
me  suscribo  con  atenta  consideracion  seguro  servidor. 

M.  F.  PORRAS, 
Ministro  de  Relaciones  Exterior  es. 

HABANA,  6.20  p.  m.  del  17  de  junio  de  1910. 
Exmo  Sr.  MINISTRO  GENERAL  F.  BACA,  Managua: 

Recibido  cable  V  E.  y  consultado  sefipr  Presidente  me  ordena 
manifestar  V  E.  su  disposicion  a  cuanto  tienda  restablecer  armonia 
entre  naciones  amigas  y  afirmar  la  paz  del  continente  saludo  V  E. 

MANUEL  SANGUILY, 

Srio  de  Estado. 

[Copia.] 

MEXICO,  6-12  del  17  de  junio  de  1910. 
Exmo  Sr.  PRESIDENTS  MADRIZ,  Managua,  Nic. : 

Correspondo  atento  telegrama  de  Vuecencia  de  ayer  manifes- 
tandple  que  ayer  mismo  fue  informado  su  Gobierno  de  mi  inter- 
vencion  amistosa  cerca  del  Exmo  Sr.  Taft. 

PORFIRIO  DIAZ. 

SANTIAGO,  CHILE,  3.88  p.  m.  del  22/6  de  1910. 
Exmo  MINISTRO  RR.  EE.,  Managua: 

He  tornado  not  a  de  los  sucesos  que  V  E.  me  comunica  en  su  tele- 
grama  del  16  del  cprriente  y  formulo  votos  porque  las  dificultades  en 
que  esa  nacion  amiga  y  hermana  se  encuentre,  tengan  pronta  solucion 
que  restablezca  paz,  interna  de  Nicaragua  y  satisfaga  las  aspira- 
ciones  de  cordialidad  americana  que  animan  a  las  naciones  de  este 
continente.  Acepte  V  E.  los  sentimientos  de  mi  mas  alt  a  y  distin- 
guida  consideracion. 

AGUSTIN  EDWARDS, 
Mtro  de  Relaciones  Exterior  es* 


60  NICARAGUA^  AFFAIRS. 

CABLEGRAM  OF  THE  MINISTER  GENERAL  AND  THE  REPLIES  OF  THE 
CHANCELLERIES  OF  FRIENDLY  NATIONS. 

[Translation.    Cablegram.] 

MINISTER    GENERAL    OF   NICARAGUA    TO    MINISTERS    FOR    FOREIGN 
AFFAIRS    AT   LONDON,  PARIS,  ROME,  ETC. 

[Deposited  in  C.  M.  6/15, 1910.] 

His  excellency  the  Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs,  London,  Berlin,  Paris, 

Rome,  Madrid,  Buenos  Aires,  Caracas,  Santiago  de  Chile,  Mexico, 

Bogota,  Lima,  Panama: 

Grave,  transcendental  matter  for  Nicaragua  obliges  me  to  claim 
your  kind  attention. 

Our  civil  war  was  about  to  be  ended  with  the  capture  of  Bluefields 
by  our  army.  Commander  American  cruiser  Paducah  landed  forces 
Bluefields  and  intimated  he  would  resist  our  occupation  notwith- 
standing that  there  was  the  center  and  army  of  the  revolutionary 
party. 

We  occupy  Bluff,  key  to  Bluefields,  triumphing  over  armed  re- 
sistance, and.  we  were  going  to  establish  a  blockade.  American 
Government  prevents  it  respecting  American  vessels;  declares  that 
customs  should  be  paid  revolution,  which  has  reestablished  new  cus- 
tomhouse at  Schooner  Key  and  requires  allow  freely  to  enter  said 
vessels  in  front  of  our  positions  though  they  may  carry  munitions  for 
revolutionists.  Commander  Paducah  threatened  to  sink  our  ships  if 
our  forces  attacked  Bluefields,  and  that  he  would  make  American  com- 
merce be  respected  with  his  guns,  though  it  should  be  munitions  for 
the  revolutionists.  These  though  Bluefields  reduced  preparing  there 
with  impunity  to  attack  us.  President  Madriz  cabled  these  facts  to 
President  Taft  asking  neutrality. 

Upon  informing  Government  of  Y.  E.,  I  respectfully  solicit  your 
good  offices  with  the  Washington  Government  tnat  this  Government 
be  left  free  to  pacify  the  country  without  those  restrictions  which  are 
the  real  cause  of  the  continuation  of  the  war,  with  incalculable 
damage  and  grave  danger  to  this  Republic.  Nicaragua  invokes 
rights,  sovereignty,  universal  principles  of  justice,  and  declarations 
American  Government  in  favor  weak  nations  of  this  continent. 
She  trusts,  moreover,  in  the  moral  aid  of  friendly  nations.  I  beg  Y.  E. 
urgently  acknowledge  receipt  and  I  subscribe  myself,  with  every 
-consideration, 

Your  obedient  servant,  F.  BACA, 

Minister  General. 

[Translation.] 

MINISTER    FOR    FOREIGN    AFFAIRS    OF    MEXICO    TO    MINISTER    GENERAL 

OF   NICARAGUA. 

MEXICO,  June  16,  1910—8.35  p.  m. 
His  Excellency  the  MINISTER  GENERAL  OF  NICARAGUA, 

Managua: 

Urgently  replying  to  your  excellency's  telegram,  dated  to-day,  I 
have  the  honor  to  transcribe  what  President  Diaz  has  telegraphed 
to  President  Taft: 

The  department  of  foreign  relations  of  Mexico  has  just  received  the  following 
telegraphic  message  from  the  minister  general  of  President  Madriz  of  Nicaragua: 
e  message  of  your  excellency.)     If  the  facts  are  exact  in  every  point,  I  would 


NICARAGUAN  AFFAIRS.  61 

permit  myself  to  recommend  in  a  friendly  way  to  your  excellency  that  being  still 
inspired  by  the  high  spirit  of  justice  that  always  has  distinguished  the  Government 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  the  dispositions  that  Nicaragua  laments  will  be 
reconsidered  to  the  end  that  the  government  of  Madriz  within  a  reasonably  limited 
time  be  permitted  to  complete  the  pacification  proposed,  for  the  prolongation  of 
this  state  of  war  may,  perhaps,  be  harmful  to  all  Central  America. 

If  your  excellency  believes  that  my  good  offices  in  any  other  form  would  contribute 
toward  the  pacification  of  Nicaragua,  I  shall  always  be  disposed  to  exercise  them. 

PORFIRIO  DIAZ. 

Accept,  your  excellency,  equal  assurances  of  consideration. 

ENRIQUE  C.  CREEL. 

[Translation.] 

MINISTER  FOR  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS  OF  PANAMA  TO  MINISTER  GENERAL  OF 

NICARAGUA. 

PANAMA,  June  18,  1910 — 44$  p.  m. 
Mr.  F.  BAG  A,  Minister  General: 

I  acknowledge  the  cablegraphic  communication  of  Y.  E.  explain- 
ing the  situation  of  the  Government  of  Nicaragua.  That  of  Panama 
esteems  the  honor  which  the  Government  of  Y.  E.  does  it  and  will 
lend  the  closest  attention  to  the  desires  expressed  by  Y.  E.  that  its 
good  offices  be  exercised  with  the  American  Government  to  the  end 
that  the  Government  of  President  Madriz  be  left  free  in  the  pacifica- 
tion of  the  country.  When  circumstances  permit  I  will  gladly  com- 
municate to  Y.  E.  the  resolution  which  the  Government  of  Panama 
may  take. 

I  subscribe  myself  Y.  E.'s  obedient  servant, 

S.  LEWIS. 

[Translation.] 

MINISTER  FOR  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS  OF  BRAZIL  TO  MINISTER  FOR  FOREIGN 
AFFAIRS    OF    NICARAGUA. 

Rio  DE  JANEIRO,  June  18,  1910 — 8  a.  m. 
MINISTER  FOR  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS,  Managua: 

I  had  the  honor  to  receive  the  telegram  of  Y.  E.  and  instructed  the 
embassy  of  Brazil  in  Washington  to  ask  information  relative  to  the 
case  and  communicated  the  desire  manifested  by  your  excellency, 
but  I  am  convinced  that  your  Government  will  better  and  more 
quickly  learn  the  views  of  the  American  Government  through  the 
reply  of  President  Taft  to  the  telegram  of  President  Madriz,  of  which 
your  excellency  informed  me,  than  your  excellency  would  receive 
through  my  most  attentive  efforts. 

Rio  BRANCO. 

[Translation.] 

MINISTER    FOR    FOREIGN    AFFAIRS    OF    VENEZUELA    TO    MINISTER    GEN- 
ERAL   OF    NICARAGUA. 

CARACAS,  June  18,  1910—6.20  p.  m. 
MINISTER  GENERAL,  Managua: 

Received.  We  cabled  minister  Venezuela,  Washington,  the  fol- 
lowing: Nicaragua  telegraphs  interference  agents  United  States. 
See  vSecretary  State  and  report. 

MATOS. 

(Office.  Our  No.  357.  Minister  General,  kindly  read.  "  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States."  Cable  Office.) 


62  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

[Translation.] 

MINISTER   FOR   FOREIGN   AFFAIRS   OF   PERU  TO   MINISTER   GENERAL  OP 

NICARAGUA. 

LIMA,  June  17,  1910—5.30  p.  m. 
His  excellency  MINISTER  GENERAL  BACA,  Managua: 

In  reply  to  the  esteemed  cablegram  of  your  excellency  I  beg  to 
express  the  sincere  hopes  of  Peru  that  the  perturbations  which  our 
brother  country  are  now  suffering  will  cease,  notwithstanding  the 
grave  preoccupations  of  an  international  character  which  now  appear. 
Peru  will  be  pleased  to  study  the  matter  presented  by  your  excel- 
lency upon  obtaining  the  corresponding  information  from  the  Amer- 
ican Government  with  which  we  maintain  the  same  cordial  friendship 
as  with  that  of  your  excellency.  Trusting  that  your  excellency  will 
recognize  the  justice  of  this  attitude  I  subscribe  myself,  with  every 
consideration. 

Your  obedient  servant,  M.  F.  PARR  AS, 

Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs. 

[Translation.] 

MINISTER   FOR   FOREIGN   AFFAIRS   OF   CUBA   TO   MINISTER   GENERAL   OP 
%  NICARAGUA. 

HAVANA,  June  17,  1910—6.20  p.  m. 
His  Excellency  MINISTER  GENERAL  F.  BACA, 

Managua: 

Received  Y.  E.'s  cable  and  consulted  the  President,  who  directs 
me  to  inform  Y.  E.  of  his  disposition  in  favor  of  whatever  may  tend 
to  reestablish  harmony  between  friendly  nations  and  secure  the  peace 
of  the  continent. 
I  salute  Y.  E. 

MANUEL  SANGUILLY, 

Secretary  of  State. 

[Translation.] 
PRESIDENT   DIAZ   TO    PRESIDENT   MADRIZ. 

MEXICO,  June  17,  1910—6.12. 
His  Excellency  PRESIDENT  MADRIZ, 

Managua,  Nicaragua: 

I  acknowledge  the  esteemed  telegram  of  your  excellency,  dated 
yesterday,  stating  that  yesterday  your  Government  was  informed  of 
my  friendly  mediation  with  his  excellency  President  Taft.  . 

PORFIRIO  DIAZ. 

[Translation.] 

MINISTER  FOR  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS  OF  CHILE  TO  MINISTER  FOR  FOREIGN 
AFFAIRS   OF   NICARAGUA. 

SANTIAGO,  CHILE,  6/22, 1910 — 8.38  p.  m. 
His  Excellency  the  MINISTER  FOR  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS, 

Managua: 

I  have  taken  note  of  the  events  which  Y.  E.  communicated  to  me 
in  your  telegram  of  the  16th  instant,  and  I  hope  that  the  difficulties 
in  which  this  friendly  and  sister  nation  finds  itself  may  have  prompt 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  63 

solution  that  will  reestablish  the  domestic  peace  of  Nicaragua  and 
satisfy  the  aspirations  of  American  cordially  that  animate  the  nations 
of  the  continent. 

Accept,  Y.  E.,  the  assurance  of  my  highest  and  most  distinguished 
considerations. 

AGUSTIN  EDWARDS, 
Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs. 

BLUFF,  2  p.  m.  del  3  de  agosto  de  1910. 
Senor  COMANDANTE  GENERAL: 

Las  comunicaciones  que  trascribi  a  U.  dirigidas  al  Comandante  de 
las  fuerzas  navales  de  Estados  Unidos  f rente  a  esta  fortaleza,  la 
dirigi  al  Consul  de  Noruega  en  Bluefields,  y  la  dirigida  al  capitan 
del  Utstein,  no  fueron  contestadas  por  nimguno  de  ellos;  y  por  la 
actitud  agresiva  que  ha  tornado  el  enemigo  en  estos  ultimos  dias, 
especialmente  en  los  dias  30  y  31  del  mes  ppdo.  que  se  sostuvo  un 
verdadero  comb  ate  de  artilleria  me  prueba  que  las  armas  y  parque 
fueron  traidos  y  entregados  a  la  revolucion  y  me  afirma  esta  idea  los 
proyectiles  que  recibira,  que  son  absolutamente  nuevos  y  distintos, 
y  segun  la  opinion  de  entendidos  en  la  materia,  como  el  general 
Jacquillon,  son  americanos. 

Con  fecha  31  del  mes  ppdo.  recibi  la  comunicacion  siguiente: 
******* 

La  que  conteste"  de  la  manera'siguiente : 

EL  BLUFF,  2  de  agosto  de  1910. 

SENOR:  He  leido  con  detenimiento  su  comunicacion  fecha  31  del  mes  ppdo.  y  de 
sus  conceptos  deduzco  que  U.  me  impone  la  obligacion  de  soportar  con  paciencia 
todas  las  agreciones  que  el  enemigo  me  hace  amparado  de  una  u  otra  manera  por  el 
pabellon  y  soldados  americanos,  aunque  para  ello  comprometa  la  accion  que  tengo 
empenada,  bien  sea  asaltando  al  enemigo  6  repeliendolo,  lo  mismo  que  la  amenaza 
que  me  hace  de  que  capturara  los  vapores  de  guerra  Maximo  Jerez,  que  U.  llama 
Venus  y  el  San  Jacinto,  y  que  atacara  esta  fortileza. 

1.  Comunicacion  anterior  dirigida  al  Comandante  del  Paducah  y  que  figuraba  aquf 
como  Comandante  de  las  fuerzas  navales  de  Estados  Unidos,  le  suplique  no  pasara 
junto  a  la  isla  Half  Way  J£ey  proque  mis  artilleros  no  son  tecnicos  y  carecen  de  instru- 
mentos  para  apreciar  distancias  y  reconocer  bien  el  o  objeto  a  que  le  disparan. 

2.  Todas  las  embarcaciones,  sin  excepcionar  una  sola,  que  atracan  a  los  muelles 
de  la  ciudad  de  Bluefields,  han  estado,  y  estan,  y  seguiran  estando,  al  servicio  de  la 
revoluci6n  encabezada  por  el  general  Juan  J.  Estrada  lo  mismo  que  las  que  hacen  el 
trafico  de  cabotaje  en  solo  costa.     Para  probar  a  U.  lo  anterior,  le  maninesto  que  el 
negro  Adolfo  Downs  Ileg6  a  Bluefields  a  bordo  de  la  goleta  welcome,  a  recoger  unas 
armas,  las  que  le  fueron  entregadas  por  el  general  Estrada,  y  conducidas  en  la  misma 
lancha,  cuyas  armas  serviran  para  atacar  unos  de  los  resguardos  que  el  Gobierno 
constitucional  de  Nicaragua  tenia  en  la  costa.     Estas  armas  cayeron  en  nuestro  poder 
cuando  ya  las  habian  desembarcado.     La   lancha    entro  y  salio   protegida   por  la 
band  era  y  soldados  americanos. 

3.  El  29  del  mes  ppdo.  uno  de  los  vaporcitos  gasolinas  surtos  frente  a  Bluefields,  con 
pabel!6n  y  soldados  amerkanos,  con  el  pretexto  de  sacar  practice  para  un  vapor  que 
iba  a  entrar  despues  de  que  el  practice  se  dirigio  en  bote  para  dicho  vapor,  fondeo  entre 
la  isla  San  Demetrio,  que  esta  en  mi  poder,  y  el  campamento  carbonera,  donde  perma- 
necio  mas  de  una  hora,  examinando  los  tripulantes  nuestras  posiciones.     Esto  lo 
deduzco  de  que  una  vez  despachado  el  practico  en  su  bote,  ya  no  tenia  objeto  su' 
permanencia  allf.     Este  mismo  vaporcito  cuando  venfa  de  Bluefields,  atrac6  a  la  isla 
Half-way  Key. 

4.  Ayer  otro  bote  de  gasolina  con  pabelldn  y  soldados  americanos  procedentes  de 
Bluefields,  fondeo  en  el  lugar  descrito  el  2°  anterior  por  mas  de  dos  horas  sin  otro  objeto 
quiza  que"  examinar  los  estragos  que  calcularon  pudo  haber  hecho  el  bombardeo  que  el 
enemigo  verified  el  dfa  6  dias  anteriores  contra  esta  fortaleza.     Al  regresar  el  bote,  lo 
hizo  caminandb  lo  mas  cerca  de  la  costa  que  le  fue  posible,  y  en  ver  de  tomar  la  ruta 


64  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

que  U.  sigue  cuando  va  ii  Bluefields  en  sus  vaporcitos,  se  dirigi6  a  la  esquina  del 
muelle  pasando  a  unas  15  yardas  y  recorriendo  el  frente  de  el  a  esa  distancia  hasta  llegar 
al  extreme  del  muelle  de  donde  hizo  rumbo  para  Bluefields. 

5.  La  goleta  Hend  que  salio  de  Com  Island  con  zarpe  de  la  autoridad  del  Gobierno 
del  doctor  Madriz  y  con  rumbo  a  esta  fortaleza,  entro  con  pabellon  y  soldados  ameri- 
canos  directamente  a  Bluefields. 

For  los  hechos  relacionados  desde  el  2,  3  hasta  el  ultimo,  en  nombre  del  Gobierno 
constitutional  de  Nicaragua  presidido  por  el  senor  doctor  don  Jose  Madriz,  y  ante  el 
mundo  civilizado,  hago  a  U.  protesta  de  dichos  hechos,  y  para  concluir,  tengo  la  honra 
de  manifestarle  que  si  U .  encuentra  pretexto  para  cumplir  las  amenazas  que  me  hace, 
ni  los  vapores  maximo  Jerez,  San  Jacinto,  ni  yo,  nos  defenderemos,  aunque  tenemos 
medios  para  hacerlo,  asegurandole  que  mas  de  al  guna  averia  le  hariamos;  pero  quiero 
que  la  responsabilidadde  estos  hechos,  en  caso  lleguen  a  suceder,  recaigan  unicamente 
en  U. 

Asi  me  doy  el  honor  de  contestar  su  comunicacion  citada  suscribiendome  su  atento 

8.  8. 

F.  M.  RIVAS. 
Inspector  Oral,  de  la  costa  atldntica 

Al  COMANDANTE  DE  LA  CANONERA  "DUBUQUE," 

Frente  al  Bluff,  Nicaragua,  C.  A. 
Su  subalterno,  F.  M.  RIVAS. 

De  la  comunicacion  del  Comandante  del  vapor  de  guerra  Dubuque 
se  desprende  que  no  podremos  atacar  schooner  Kay,  donde  na 
trasladado  la  aduana  Juan  Estrada  y  donde  siempre  hay  embarca- 
ciones  que  entran  y  salen.  Ademas  schooner  Kay  se  mantiene 
defendido  por  los  vapores  Blanca  y  Ometepe,  los  cuales  deberan  estar 
parados  ya  por  falta  de  carbon,  lo  que  no  sucedera  porque  les  entra 
de  los  Estados  Unidos  en  los  vapores  que  navagan  con  bandera 
noruega. 

La  comunicacion  que  el  Consul  de  S.  M.  B.  residente  en  San  Juan 
del  Norte  dirigida  al  viceconsul  de  la  misma  nacion  residente  en 
Bluefields,  no  ha  tenido  ningun  efecto  pues  los  negros  y  criollos  de 
esta  costa  continuan  al  servicio  de  la  revolucion  debido  a  que  el 
viceconsul  es  partidario  de  la  revolucion,  segun  he  sido  informado 
por  distintas  personas. 

F.  M.  RIVAS. 

BUQUE  DE  GUERRA  DE  SA  CLASE  " DUBUQUE," 

En  las  afueras  de  la  rada  de  Bluejields, 

Nic.,  31  de  julio  de  1910. 

SENOR:  El  consul  americano  en  Bluefields  me  informa  que  los 
proyectiles  de  sus  canones  disparados  desee  El  Bluff,  dirigidos  apar- 
entemente  sobre  Halfway  Cay,  han  caido  dentro  de  las  cien  varas  de 
la  ciudad.  Si  cualesquiera  se  sus  proyectiles  cae  dentro  de  los  limites 
de  los  buques  que  estan  anclados  en  los  muelles  de  la  ciudad  de  Blue- 
fields,  6  cerca  de  ellos,  yo  considerare  esto  como  un  bombardeo  a  la 
ciudad,  lo,  cual  se  ha  avisado  a  U.  no  se  permitira.  Los  muelles  de 
Bluefields  estan  aproximadamente  a  4  millas  y  Halfway  Kay  aprox- 
imadamente  a  1.3  4  millas  del  Bluff,  y  no  es  probable  que  sus  artilleros 
sean  tan  poco  expertos  que  hagan  punterias  de  8,000  varas  cuando 
disparan  a  un  punto  distante  3,500  varas.  No  permitire  sea  bom- 
bardeada  la  ciudad  de  Bluefields  con  el  pretexto  de  hacer  fuego  sobre 
Halfway  Kay.  Cuando  iba  en  camino  para  Bluefields  como  a  la 
1.30  p.  m.  del  30  de  Julio,  a  bordo  del  Dubuque,  sus  canones  en  el 
muelle  disparaban  muy  cerca  de  mi  barco,  y  se  me  informa  que  sus 
canones  dispararon  por  encima  del  buque  mercante  Imperator  cuando 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  65 

cruzaba  El  Bluff  en  la  manana  del  mismo  dia.  No  permitire  disparos 
inconexos  desde  El  Bluff  6  de  Halfway  Kay  que  han  estado  lanzan- 
dose  por  intervales  desde  hace  varies  dias  con  la  mira  de  impedir  el 
paso  frente  al  Bluff  a  los  botes  de  los  buques  bajo  mi  mando,  6  a  las 
embarcaciones  empleadas  en  el  coniercio  americano.  Si  se  efectua 
algun  ataque  parcial  6  general  por  cualquiera  de  las  dos  partes,  que 
impida  el  pasaje  de  las  naves  bajo  mi  proteccion,  no  sera  permitido 
que  entorpezcan  las  operaciones.  Tengo  el  honor  de  informarle  que 
si  se  bombardea  la  ciudad  de  Bluefields  con  el  pretexto  de  atacar 
Halfway  Cay,  6  si  un  disparo  de  sus  canones  da  contra  cualquier 
buque  bajo  mi  proteccion,  procedere  inmediatamente  a  la  captura 
del  Venus  y  del  San  Jacinto,  y  si  fuere  necesario,  apelare  a  la  fuerza 
para  atacar  El  Bluff. 

Respetuosamente, 

H.  K.  Kius, 
Comandante  Naval  de  los  Estados  Unidos  al  mando  del 

Dubuque  en  la  costa  oriental  de  Nicaragua. 

Al  Genl.  F.  M.  RIVAS. 

[Translation.] 

BLUFF,  August  3,  1910 — 2  p.m. 
COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF: 

The  communications  that  I  transcribed  to  you  addressed  to  the 
commander  of  the' naval  forces  of  the  United  States  in  front  of  this 
fort,  that  addressed  to  the  consul  of  Norway  in  Bluefields,  and 
that  addressed  to  the  captain  of  the  Utstein  were  not  replied  to 
by  any  of  them,  and  the  aggressive  attitude  assumed  by  the  enemy 
in  these  last  days,  especially  on  the  30th  and  31st  ultimo,  when  an 
artillery  engagement  took  place,  proves  to  me  that  the  arms  and 
ammunition  brought  and  delivered  to  the  revolution,  and  convinces 
me  that  the  projectiles,  which  are  absolutely  new  and  destructive, 
and  according  to  the  opinion  of  persons  informed  in  such  matters, 
as  Gen.  Jacquillon,  are  American. 

Under  date  of  the  31st  ultimo  I  received  the  following  commu- 
nication : 

******* 

To  which  I  replied,  as  follows: 

EL  BLUFF,  August  2,  1910. 

SIR:  I  have  read  with  attention  your  communication,  dated  the  3Tst  ultimo,  and 
from  it  I  infer  that  you  impose  upon  me  the  obligation  of  supporting  with  patience 
all  the  aggressions  made  upon  me  by  the  enemy,  assisted  in  one  way  and  another  by 
the  American  flag  and  soldiers,  although  by  so  doing  I  would  jeopardize  the  cam- 
paign that  I  have  undertaken,  whether  it  be  assaulting  the  enemy  or  repulsing  him, 
as  well  as  the  threat  made  by  the  enemy  to  capture  the  ships  of  war  Maximo  Jerez, 
which  you  call  the  Venus,  and  the  San  Jacinto  and  to  attack  this  fort. 

1.  In  a  previous  communication  addressed  to  the  commander  of  the  Paducah  and 
who  acted  here  as  commander  of  the  naval  forces  of  the  United  States,  I  requested 
him  not  to  pass  near  Half  Way  Key  Island,  because  my  artillerymen  are  not  technical 
men  and  lack  instruments  to  estimate  distances  and  to  examine  closely  the  object 
at  which  they  discharge. 

2.  All  the  boats,  without  a  single  exception,  that  come  to  the  docks  of  the  city  of 
Bluefields  have  been,  are,  and  will  continue  to  be  in  the  service  of  the  revolution 
headed  by  Gen.  Juan  J.  Estrada  as  well  as  those  that  engage  solely  in  coasting  trade. 
To  prove  this  to  you,  I  mention  that  the  negro  Adolfo  Downs  arrived  at  Bluefields 
aboard  the  schooner  Welcome  to  procure  arms,  which  were  delivered  to  him  by  Gen. 

78467—13 5 


66  NICABAGUAN  AFFAIES. 

Estrada,  and  carried  in  the  same  boat,  which  arms  were  destined  to  attack  some  of 
the  coast  guards  which  the  constitutional  Government  of  Nicaragua  had  on  the  coast. 
Their  arms  fell  into  our  hands  after  being  landed.  The  boat  entered  and  sailed 
protected  by  the  American  flag  and  soldiers. 

3.  On  the  29th  ultimo  one  of  the  gasoline  launches  anchored  in  front  of  Bluefields, 
with  American  flag  and  soldiers,  under  pretext  of  taking  a  pilot  out  to  a  steamer 
that  was  about  to  enter  after  the  pilot  had  left  in  a  boat  for  said  steamer,  cast  anchor 
between  San  Demetrio  Island,  which  is  in  my  hands,  and  Camp  Carbpnera,  where  it 
remained  more  than  an  hour,  the  crew  examining  our  positions.     I  infer  that  after 
the  pilot  had  left  in  his  boat  there  was  no  object  in  its  remaining  there.     This  same 
launch  in  coming  from  Bluefields  passed  close  to  Half  Way  Key  Island. 

4.  Yesterday  another  gasoline  launch  with  American  flag  and  soldiers  anchored  in 
the  placed  described  in    two  above,  for  more  than  two  hours  without  other  object, 
perhaps,  than  to  examine  the  damage  done  by  the  bombardment  which  the  enemy 
carried  on  the  day  or  days  previous  against  this  fort.     The  launch  on  its  return  came 
as  near  the  coast  as  possible,  and  instead  of  following  the  route  that  you  follow  when 
going  to  Bluefields  in  your  launches, "came  to  within  some  15  yards  of  the  corner  of 
the  dock  and  passed  along  the  front  of  it  at  this  distance  until  it  reached  the  end  of 
the  dock,  from  whence  it  set  out  in  the  direction  of  Bluefields. 

5.  The  schooner  Hend,  which  sailed  from  Corn  Island  with  a  clearance  from  the 
authorities  of  the  Government  of  Dr.  Madriz  for  this  fort,  entered  Bluefields  direct 
with  American  flag  and  soldiers. 

Because  of  the  acts  related  from  2,  3,  to  the  last,  in  the  name  of  the  constitutional 
government  of  Dr.  Jose  Madriz,  and  before  the  civilized  world,  I  make  protest  to  you 
against  said  acts;  and,  in  conclusion,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  if  you  find 
pretext  for  carrying  out  the  threats  you  make  to  me,  neither  the  ships  Maximo  Jerez, 
San  Jacinto,  nor  I  will  defend  ourselves,  although  we  have  the  means  of  doing  it  and 
are  certain  of  our  ability  to  do  damage,  but  I  desire  that  the  responsibility  for  these 
acts,  in  case  they  come,  shall  rest  solely  with  you. 

Thus  I  do  myself  the  honor  of  replying  to  your  said  communication,  and  remain 
Your  obedient  servant, 

F.  M.  RIVAS, 

Inspector  General  of  the  Atlantic  Coast. 
To  the  COMMANDER  OP  THE  GUNBOAT  "DUBUQUE," 

In  front  of  El  Bluff,  Nicaragua,  C.  A. 

Your  subaltern,  F.  M.  RIVAS. 

From  the  communication  of  the  commander  of  the  vessel  of  war 
Dubuque  it  will  be  seen  that  we  can  not  attack  Schooner  Key,  to 
which  point  Juan  Estrada  has  moved  the  customhouse  and  where 
boats  are  always  entering  and  leaving.  However,  Schooner  Key  is 
defended  by  the  steamers  Blanco,  and  Ometepe,  which  should  be 
unable  to  move,  because  they  are  already  without  coal;  but  this  will 
not  follow,  for  vessels  sailing  under  the  Norwegian  flag  bring  it  from 
the  United  States. 

The  communication  of  H.  B.  M.  resident  in  San  Juan  del  Norte 
addressed  to  the  vice  consul  of  the  same  Government  resident  in 
Bluefields  has  had  no  effect,  for  the  negroes  and  Creoles  of  this  coast 
continue  in  the  service  of  the  revolution,  due  to  the  fact  that  the 
vice  consul  is  a  partisan  of  the  revolution,  according  to  information 
received  from  several  persons. 

F.  M.  RIVAS. 

This  is  a  translation  into  Spanish. 

VESSEL  or  NAVY,  3D  CLASS,  "  DUBUQUE," 
Roadstead  at  Bluefields,  Nicaragua,  July  31,  1910. 
Gen.  F.  M.  RIVAS. 

SIR: 

******* 

H.  K.  KLUS, 

Commander,  in  command  of  "  Dubuque," 

on  the  Eastern  Coast  of  Nicaragua. 


NICARAGUA!*   AFFAIRS.  67 

COM  AND  AN  CIA   DE   ARMAS,  CoRINTO,  NICARAGUA. 

En  el  puerto  de  Gorinto  a  las  des  de  la  tarde  del  nueve  de  marzo 
•de  mil  naolciento  diez.  El  suscrito,  Comandante  del  puerto,  en 
cumplimento  de  ordenes  recibidas  del  Senor  Comandante  General 
de  la  Republica  y  a  presencia  de  las  Senores  Don  Enrique  Palazio, 
Agente  Consular  Ingles,  y  Don  Carlos  Luis  Hinckel,  procedi  a  tomarle 
declaracion  a  un  individuo,  quien  libre  de  prisiones  y  exportanea- 
mente,  la  evacuo  del  modo  siguente. 

Preguntado  por  su  nombre,  edad,  estado,  profesion  y  nacionalidad, 
contesta  que  se  llama  George  F.  Cannon,  de  ocinticuato  aiios,  Fane- 
dor  de  Libro  y  ciudadano  de  las  Estados  Unidos. 

Preguntado  si  es  cierto  que  durante  la  actual  revolucion,  ha  acom- 
panaclo  al  General  Emiliano  Chamorro  y  en  que  caracter,  contesta: 
que  acompano  al  General  Chamorro  en  calidad  de  ayudante. 

Preguntado  si  es  cierto  c[ue  en  el  local  de  la  Comandancia  General 
en  Managua  y  a  presencia  del  senor  Emerson,  corresponsal  de  la 
Tribuna  de  Chicago  y  otras  personas  mas,  el  declarante  aseguio  que 
habia  sido  enviado  por  el  General  Chamorro,  Jefe  de  la  Revoluci6n 
para  asesinar  al  Doctor  Jose  Madriz,  Presidents  de  la  Republica  y 
lo  demas  que  sega,  contesta  que  es  cierto  lo  (jue  se  le  pregunta  y 
que  no  lo  lleno  a  efecto  por  que  el  Doctor  Madriz  es  hermano  mason, 
por  que  il  Cannon,  es  tambien  mason. 

Preguntado  para  dande  piensa  dirigerse  en  su  proximo  viaje, 
fuera  de  la  Republica,  contesta:  que  va  para  Mejico  y  de  aUi  a  Es- 
tados Unidos  y  -expontaneamente  declara  que  jamas  se  voluera  & 
meter  en  Revoluciones  en  Centro  America.  Se  le  lejo  su  declaraci6n, 
la  encontro  conforme  y  firma  a  presencia  del  suscrito  Comandante 
de  Semes,  su  secretario  y  los  Senores  Enrique  Palazio  y  Carlos  Luis 
Hinckel  no  habiendo  lo  hecho  en  presencia  de  los  Srs.  Consul  y  Vice- 
Consul  Americanos  en  este  puerto,  Senores  Johnson  y  Leonard 
por  haberse  escusado. 

S.  SALNIAL. 
GEORGE  F.  CANNON. 

Paloria : 

C.  L.  HINCKEL. 

Ante  mi: 

M.  MADRIZ,  SEIO. 

NOTA. — Se  hace  constar  que  el  Senor  Carlos  Luis  Hinckel,  es  Vice- 
Consul  de  Alemania  y  Vice-Consul  de  Suecia. 

S.  SALNIAL. 

This  might  be  headed : 

GEORGE   F.    CANNON   TO   PRESIDENT   MADRIZ,    COPY. 

CORINTO,  March  9,  1910. 
President  MADRIZ, 

Of  Nicaragua,  Managua. 

SIR:  I  just  had  a  talk  with  Comandante  Salinas,  of  Corinto,  who 
said  that  you  gave  him  orders  to  have  me  sent  to  the  next  port  south. 
But  when  I  get  there,  or  when  I  should  even  get  to  Panama,  I  will  be 
absolutely  stranded,  without  shelter  and  without  food;  furthermore, 
in  Panama  I  need  to  show  $15  gold,  money  I  do  not  possess  just  now. 


68  NICARAGTJAN    AFFAIES. 

Before  I  do  make  a  declaration  compromising  myself  and  Gen. 
Chamorro,  I  do  ask  you  if  you  can  not  send  me  north  to  any  port  of 
Honduras,  Salvador,  Guatemala,  Mexico,  or  the  United  States,  where 
I  will  always  be  nearer  to  home. 

I  do  ask  you  this,  sir,  because  I  like  to  be  sure  of  myself,  and  I  do 
not  want  to  stand  absolutely  stranded  south;  therefore  I  would  prefer 
to  go  north. 

I  hope  you  will  do  this  for  me  and  I  will  always  thank  you  hearty. 

Hoping  that  you  will  settle  this  matter  in  my  favor,  as  you  know 
very  well  that  I  never  will  put  myself  in  any  other  revolution,  and 
that  I  have  no  desire  to  return  to  Nicaragua,  I  remain,  sir, 
Yours,  most  obediently, 

GEORGE  F.  CANNON. 

[Translation.] 
DEPOSITION    OF    GEORGE    F.    CANNON. 

[Office  of  the  Commandant  of  Ar.ns,  Corinto,  Nicaragua.    (Seal.)) 

In  the  port  of  Corinto  at  2  p.  m.,  on  the  9th  of  March,  1910,  the 
undersigned  commandant  of  arms  of  the  port,  in  compliance  with 
orders  received  from  the  commandant  general  of  the  Republic  and  in 
the  presence  of  Mr.  Enrique  Palazio,  English  consular  agent,  and  Mr. 
Carlos  Luis  Hinckel  proceeded  to  take  the  deposition  of  an  individual, 
who  of  his  own  free  will  and  spontaneously  deposed  as  follows: 

Asked  his  name,  age,  circumstances,  profession,  and  nationality, 
he  answered:  That  he  is  named  George  F.  Cannon,  24  years  of  age, 
bookkeeper,  and  citizen  of  the  United  States. 

Asked  if  it  is  true  that  during  the  actual  revolution  he  had  accom- 
panied Gen.  Emiliano  Chamarro,  and  in  what  capacity,  he  replied: 
That  he  accompanied  Gen.  Chamarro  in  the  capacity  of  adjutant. 

Asked  if  it  is  true  that  in  the  office  of  the  commandant  of  arms  in 
Managua  and  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Emerson,  correspondent  of  the 
Chicago  Tribune,  and  other  persons,  the  deponent  asserted  that  he 
had  been  sent  by  Gen.  Chamarro,  chief  of  the  revolution,  to  assassinate 
Dr.  Jose"  Madriz,  President  of  the  Republic,  he  replied:  That  what 
he  had  been  asked  is  true  and  that  he  did  not  accomplish  it  because 
Dr.  Madriz  is  a  brother  Mason,  for  he,  Cannon,  is  also  a  Mason. 

Asked  where  he  intends  to  go  on  his  approaching  journey  from 
the  Republic,  he  replied:  That  he  is  going  to  Mexico,  and  from  there 
to  the  United  States;  and  he  spontaneously  declared  that  he  would 
never  again  take  part  in  revolutions  in  Central  America.  His  dep- 
osition being  read  to  him,  he  found  it  correct  and  signs  in  presence 
of  the  undersigned  commandant  of  arms,  his  secretary,  and  Messrs. 
Enrique  Palazio  and  Carlos  Luis  Hinckel,  not  having  done  so  in 
presence  of  the  American  consul  and  vice  consul  in  the  port,  Messrs. 
Johnson  and  Leonard,  on  account  of  having  declined. 

S.  SALINAS. 
GEORGE  F.   CANNON. 
C.  L.  HINCKEL. 

E.  PALAZIO. 

Before  me: 

M.  MADRIOS,  Secretary. 

NOTE. — It  should  be  stated  that  Mr.  Carlos  Luis  Hinckel  is  vice 
consul  of  Germany  and  vice  consul  of  Sweden. 

S.  SALINAS. 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  69 

MEMORANDUM. 

[Office  of  Chow  Aquai,  dealers  in  general  merchandise.] 

PRINCIPULCA,  NICARAGUA,  C.  A.,  -       — ,  19 — . 

Como  a  mediados  de  octubre  ppdo.  el  Gobierno  revolucionario 
encarcelo  al  subdito  ingles  H.  F.  Salter,  obligandolo  bajo  la  amenaza 
de  palos  a  firmar  giros  por  valor  de  $12,000  oro  como  apoderado  de 
la  casa  Lopez  y  Martinez,  contra  la  casa  H.  T.  Cottam  de  New  Orleans. 
Salter  firmo  los  giros  pero  pudo  avisar  al  girado  a  tiempo  para  que 
este  no  pagase. 

El  vice  consul  de  Su  Majestad  Sr.  Chaput,  intervino  para  lograr  la 
libertad  de  Salter.  Mascunana  era  el  director  de  Policia. 

A  principios  de  Mayo  el  pseudo-Presidente  Estrada,  acompanado 
de  u  nos  cuantos  soldados  se  constituyo  personalmente  en  el  local  de 
la  imprenta  de  Mr.  H.  P.  Salter  y  arrojo  a  la  calle  todo  el  material  de 
dicha  imprenta  inclusive  las  prensas,  revolviendo  en  un  solo  pastel 
todo  el  tipo.  . 

El  Senor  H.  P.  Salter  se  present 6  inmediatamente  ante  el  vice 
consul  encargado,  Mr.  Wurr  pidiendole  ampare  y  este  le  manifesto  que 
abriria  una  informacion  sobre  el  particular. 

A  fines  de  Mayo  los  senores  H.  P.  Salter  y  H.  F.  Salter,  padre  e 
hijo  fueron  reducidos  a  prision  por  el  mismo  jefe  de  la  Revolucion 
Estrada  sin  otra  causa  que  la  de  que  estos  Senores  no  simpatizaban 
con  ella.  El  Sr.  Wurr  vice  consul  ingles  encargado  en  esta  otra 
ocasion,  no  hizo  nada  para  dar  proteccion  a  los  subditos  ingleses 
referidos. 

N.  B.  Tomese  nota  de  que  el  Sr.  Wurr  ademas  de  ser  vice  consul 
ingles  es  Gerente  del  Hotel  Tropical  y  que  como  tal,  tiene  en  su  caja 
documentos  para  cobrar  contra  la  Revolucion  por  un  valor  que 
aseguran  no  baja  de  cuatro  e  cinco  mil  dollars  ($5,000). 

A  fines  de  Abril  el  Gobierno  revolucionario  se  apodero  de  las 
embarcaciones  de  muchos  subditos  ingleses  de  Jamaica,-  residentes 
en  Mahogany  Creek  y  se  nego  a  darles  el  recibo  correspondiente. 
Los  interesados  se  que  jaron  a  Mr.  Wurr  sin  ningiin  resultado. 

Tambien  a  fines  de  Abril  6  principios  de  Mayo,  el  gobierno  revolu- 
cionario, para  favorecer  los  intereses  de  la  Bluefields  S.  S.  Co.  y 
obtener  al  mismo  tiempo  ventajas  y  favores  de  la  misma,  embargo 
manumilitary  el  material  flotante  y  remolcadores  de  la  Asociacion 
de  Plantadores,  cuyo  capital  pertenece  en  §  partes  a  subditos  ingleses 
de  Jamaica,  ocasionando  a  dicha  compania  la  perdita  de  10,000 
racimos  de  bananos  que  habia  comprado  y  tenia  listo  en  las  vegas 
del  Rio  Escondido  para  embarcar  en  el  Bluff,  lo  que  no  pudo  yerifi- 
cans  e  por  falta  de  su  material  flotante.  El  Sr.  J.  Brooks,  Presidente 
de  dicha  Asociacion  y  subdito  ingles,  fue  encarcelado  el  mismo  dia 
en  que  se  perpetro  este  atentado  contra  la  Compania.  Mr.  Wurr  no 
hizo  caso  de  las  reclamaciones  presentadas. 

Despues  del  desastre  de  Tisma  en  Febrero,  el  gobierno  revolucio- 
nario con  el  fin  de  arbitrar  fondos  encontro  el  sencillo  medio  de 
obligar  al  gremio  de  Plantadores  a  que  dejaran  a  favor  y  beneficio 
de  la  revolucion  y  sin  ningun  recibo,  la  mitad  del  producto  de  la 
venta  de  fruta  a  las  Companias  exportadoras ;  por  supuesto  que  todos 
los  plantadores  ingleses  fueron  sometidos  a  la  misma  memedida,  y 
por  tanto  sufrieron  la  injusta  e  inexplicable  exaccion. 


70  NICARAGUA^  AFFAIRS. 

Los  Sres.  Jose  Percival  Moody  y  Francis  Thomas,  ingleses  y  Jorge 
Jacquillon,  ciudadano  frances  fueron  reducidos  a  prision  porque  no 
simpatizaban  con  la  revolucion;  este  ultimo  se  dirigio  por  escrito  a 
Mr.  Wurr  pidiendole  amparo«y  aim  mas  la  senora  Jacquillon  hablo 
personalmente  con  Mr.  Wurr  para  que  interviniese.  Todo  resulto 
vano,  declarando  el  mencionado  Mr.  Wurr  que  no  podia. 

Los  Sennores  Totorica  y  Montero  espanoles,  fueron  groseramente 
insultados  y  amenazados  por  Estrada  y  despue"s  puestos  en  estado 
de  arresto;  por  el  simple  necho  de  haber  solicitado  el  pago  de  una 
parte  del  dinero  que  les  debe  la  revolucion. 

La  revolucion  vendio  el  Capitan  Crighton  la  goleta  " Atlantic"  de 
la  difunta  Emerta  Compania  Emery,  perteneciente  a  la  Republica  de 
Nicaragua;  Crighton  la  vendio  a  Piazza  el  cual  la  envio  fuera  del 
pais;  la  escritura  de  venta  la  hizo  Don  Segundo  Calonge  el  cual  hizo 
presente  que  la  personeria  estaba  duodosa.  Precio  cinco  mil  dollars. 

Las  canoneras  norte-americanas  Paducah  y  Dubuque  tienen  virtu- 
almente  bloqueado  el  puerto  del  Bluff,  porque  no  permiten  a  nin- 
guna  embarcacion  la  entrada  a  la  bahia  sin  registrarla  y  ponerle 
bandera  norte-americana,  cualesquiera  que  sea  su  nacionalidad; 
ademas  se  sirven  de  la  bandera  inglesa  embarcaciones  pequenas  de 
esta  localidad  que  no  tienen  derecho,  ni  pertenecen  a  subditos 
ingleses. 

[Translation,] 
MEMORANDUM. 

[On  paper  headed:  Office  of  Chow  Aquai,  dealers  in  merchandise.] 

PRINCIPULEA,  NICARAGUA,  C.  A.,  -       — ,  19 — . 

About  the  middle  of  last  October  the  revolutionary  government 
imprisoned  the  English  subject,  H.  F.  Salter,  obliging  him,  under 
threat  of  whipping,  to  sign  drafts  to  the  value  of  $12,000  gold  as 
attorney  in  fact  of  the  house  of  Lopez  &  Martinez  against  the  house 
of  H.  T.  Cottam,  of  New  Orleans.  Salter  signed  the  drafts,  but  was 
able  to  advise  the  drawee  in  tune  to  stop  payment. 

The  vice  consul  of  His  Majesty,  Mr.  Chaput,  secured  the  release  of 
Salter.  Mascufiana  was  chief  of  police. 

'  The  beginning  of  May  pseudo-President  Estrada,  with  a  number 
of  soldiers,  occupied  the  printing  establishment  of  Mr.  H.  P.  Salter 
and  threw  into  the  street  all  the  material  and  supplies  of  said  printing 
establishment,  including  the  presses,  making  one  mass  of  the  type. 

Mr.  H.  P.  Salter  'immediately  appeared  before  the  vice  consul  in 
charge,  Mr.  Wurr,  and  applied  for  relief,  and  Mr.  Wurr  informed  him 
that  he  would  investigate  the  case. 

The  end  of  May  Messrs.  H.  P.  Salter  and  H.  F.  Salter,  father  and 
son,  were  imprisoned  by  the  same  chief  of  the  revolution  (Estrada) 
for  no  other  reason  than  that  these  gentlemen  did  not  sympathize 
with  it.  Mr.  Wurr,  English  vice  consul  in  charge  at  this  time,  took 
no  action  to  secure  protection  for  the  said  English  subjects. 

N.  B. — It  should  be  noted  that  Mr.  Wurr,  besides  being  English 
vice  consul,  is  manager  of  the  Hotel  Tropical,  and  that  as  such  has 
in  his  safe  uncollected  accounts  against  the  revolution  to  the  amount 
of  not  less  than  four  or  five  thousand  dollars  ($5,000) . 

At  the  end  of  April  the  revolutionary  government  took  possession 
of  trie  boats  of  many  English  subjects  from  Jamaica,  resident  in 


NICARAGUAN    AFFAIRS.  71 

Mahogany  Creek,  and  refused  to  give  them  the  corresponding  receipts. 
The  interested  parties  complained  to  Mr.  Wurr  without  any  results. 

Also,  at  the  end  of  April  or  beginning  of  May  the  revolutionary  gov- 
ernment, in  order  to  favor  the  interests  of  the  Bluefields  Steamship 
Co.  and  at  the  same  time  to  secure  favors  and  benefits  from  it,  seized 
the  lighters  and  tugs  of  the  Association  of  Planters,  two-thirds  of 
whose  capital  belongs  to  English  subjects  of  Jamaica,  resulting  in  a 
loss  to  said  company  of  10,000  bunches  of  bananas  which  it  had 
bought  and  had  reaSy  along  the  Rio  Escondido  for  loading  at  El 
Bluff,  which  it  could  not  do  because  of  lack  of  lighters.  Mr.  J. 
Brooks,  president  of  said  association  and  an  English  subject,  was 
imprisoned  the  same  day  that  this  outrage  against  the  company  was 
perpetrated.  Mr.  Wurr  paid  no  attention  to  the  claims  presented. 

After  the  disaster  of  Tisma  in  February  the  revolutionary  govern- 
ment in  order  to  raise  funds  adopted  the  simple  plan  of  compelling 
the  planters'  society  to  turn  over  to  the  revolution,  and  without  any 
receipt,  half  of  the  product  of  the  sale  of  fruits  to  the  exporting  com- 
panies, all  the  English  planters  being  subject  to  this  measure  and 
suffering  this  unjust  and  inexplicable  exaction. 

Messrs.  Jose*  Perciyal  and  Francis  Thomas,  English,  and  Jorge 
Jacquillon,  French  citizen,  were  imprisoned  because  they  did  not 
favor  the  revolution;  the  last  mentioned  requested  assistance  from 
Mr.  Wurr  in  writing  and  Mrs.  Jacquillon  personally  applied  to  Mr. 
Wurr  for  assistance.  All  in  vain,  Mr.  Wurr  replying  that  he  could 
do  nothing. 

Messrs.  Totorica  and  Montero,  Spaniards,  were  grossly  insulted  and 
threatened  by  Estrada,  and  later  arrested,  simply  because  they 
requested  the  payment  of  a  part  of  the  money  that  the  revolution 
owed  them. 

The  revolution  sold  to  ('apt.  Crighton  the  schooner  Atlantic,  of  the 
defunct  Emery  Co.,  belonging  to  the  Republic  of  Nicaragua;  Crighton 
sold  it  to  Piazza,  who  sent  it  out  of  the  country;  the  bill  of  sale  was 
drawn  by  Mr.  Segundo  Calonge,  who  stated  that  the  personality  was 
doubtful.  Price,  $5,000. 

The  North  American  gunboats  Paducah  and  Dubuque  have  virtually 
blockaded  the  port  of  El  Bluff,  because  they  permit  no  boat  to  enter 
the  bay  without  registering  it  and  placing  on  it  the  North  American 
flag,  whatever  its  nationality;  moreover,  small  boats  in  this  locality 
fly  the  English  flag,  when  they  have  no  right  to  it  and  do  not  belong 
to  English  subjects. 


[La  Prusu,  Julio  5,  1910.]' 

EL  DR.  JOSE  D.  LOLA  EN  MANAGUA — IMPORTANTES  DECLARACIONES — 

EL   ESTADO   DE    LA    REVOLUCION. 

Ayer  por  la  tarde  tuvimos  el  honor  de  saludar  al  senor  Dr.  don 
Jose"  Dolores  Lola,  quien  acaba  de  llegar  procedente  de  la  Costa 
Atlantica,  donde  desempenaba  el  cargo  de  Magistrado  de  la  Corte  de 
Apelaciones  de  Bluefields. 

El  Dr.  Lola  sali6  de  ese  puerto  el  15  de  junio  acompanado  de  su 
hermana  la  senorita  Juana  Lola,  senores  Jesus  Garcia,  Jose  Maria 
Reyes,  Francisco  Silva,  Vicente  Castrillo,  Nicolas  Gadea,  senora  Lucia 


72  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

N.,  Francisco  Espinosa  (hermano  del  Dr. -Rodolfo  Espinosa  R.), 
Rafael  Morales,  y  un  senor  Matus,  quien  se  quedo  en  San  Jose  de 
Costa  Rica,  lo  mismo  que  el  senor  Gadea.  A  esta  capital  han  lleagado 
el  senor  Jesus  Garcia,  y  las  senoritas  Juana  Lola  y  Amalia  Zelaya. 

El  Dr.  Lola  y  companeros  estuvieron  tres  dias  a  bordo  en  Bocas 
del  Toro,  a  donde  llegaron  el  16  del  mismo  mes. 

Cuando  desembarcaron  supieron  por  algunas  autoridades,  que  avi- 
saban  de  Bluefields,  por  aerograma,  que  en  la  lancha  "Guillermina" 
iban  muchos  revolucionarios,  entre  ellos,  el  General  Gordon  y  muchos 
americanos.  Varios  se  quedaron  en  Limon  y  los  otros  continuaron 
para  Panama.  Venian  en  la  "  Guillermina  "  Fabio  Guerra,  de  Rivas, 
coronel  Zurrivas,  Rafael  Morales  y  algunos  ticos.  El  General  Gordon 
se  quedo  en  Costa  Rica.  Refiere  este  americano  que  la  revolucion 
no  ha-  correspondido  a  los  trabajos  que  el  con  tanto  empefio  habia 
emprendido.  Segun  datos  positives,  desde  Bluefields  dirigio  una 
cart  a  a  la  Prensa  Asociada  de  New  York,  expresandose  en  terminos 
muy  duros  contra  la  revolucion.  El  General  Gordon  fue  embarcado 
por  dos  policias  americanos  y  de  orden  del  consul  americano  senor 
Moffatt — junto  con  C.  J.  Goddard,  Lerris  y  D.  Jordan,  maquinistas 
del  vapor  Marietta — Gordon  fue  expulsado  de  Bluefields  por  ex- 
presarse  mal  de  la  revolucion. 

A  la  senorita  Amalia  Zelaya,  que  era  profesora  de  un  colegio  de 
Bluefields,  le  notifico  el  director  do  policia  don  Solon  Lacayo,  que 
inmediatamente  desocupara  la  casa  donde  ella  vivia. 

Los  senores  doctores  Jose  Leon  Samayoa  y  Narciso  Sotomayor, 
.deben  estar  en  San  Juan  del  Norte,  porque  fueron  puesto  en  libertad 
cuando  la  toma  del  Bluff  por  las  fuerzas  del  Gobierno. 

Tuyimos  ocasion  de  ver  una  vista  del  dinamo  que  los  americanos 
han  sit u ado  en  el  centro  de  la  ciudad  de  Bluefields,  Ese  dinamo  esta 
en  constante  comunicacion  con  las  lomas  Sandino,  Pul,  Belanger  y 
demas  fortificaciones  donde  se  encuentran  las  minas  que  defienden 
el  puerto. 

Hay  dos  hospitales  de  sangre :  el  Central  y  el  Colon.  En  el  prirnero 
asisten  a  los  revolucionarios  y  en  el  segundo  a  los  heridos  del  Gobierno, 
Ambos  hospitales  estan  mal  servidos,  pero  donde  mas  se  admira 
abandono  y  odio  es  en  el  Colon. 

La  situacion  economica  porque  atraviesa  la  revolucion  es  penosa. 
demasiado  precaria,  pues  los  sueldos  hace  meses  que  no  los  pagan, 
Rendimos  las  gracias  al  senor  Lola  por  la  informacion  que  hoy  pub- 
licamos,  y  le  deseamos  muchas  felicidades  en  el  seno  de  su  famitia  y 
de  sus  amigos. 

[Translation.] 
[From  La  Prensa,  Managua,  July  5,  1910. J 

DR.  JOSE  D.  LOLA  IN  MANAGUA IMPORTANT  STATEMENTS — THE  REVO- 
LUTIONARY   SITUATION. 

Yesterday  afternoon  we  had  the  honor  to  greet  D.  Jose  Dolores 
Lola,  who  had  just  arrived  from  the  Atlantic  coast,  where  he  served 
as  judge  of  the  court  of  appeals  at  Bluefields. 

DT.  Lola  left  that  port  June  15,  accompanied  by  his  sister,  Miss 
Juana  Lola,  Messrs.  Jesus  Garcia,  Jose"  Maria  Reyes,  Francisco  Silva, 
Vicente  Castrillo,  Nicolas  Gadea,  Mrs.  Lucia  N.,  Francisco  Espi- 
nosa (brother  of  Dr.  Rodolfo  Espinosa  R.),  Rafael  Morales,  and  a 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS.  73 

Mr.  Matus,  who  remained  in  San  Jose  de  Costa  Rica,  as  did  Mr.  Gadea. 
Mr.  Jesus  Garcia  and  Misses  Juana  Lola  and  Amalia  Zelaya  have 
reached  this  capital. 

Dr.  Lola  and  companions  were  three  days  aboard  ship  in  Bocas  del 
Toro,  where  they  arrived  on  the  16th  of  the  same  month. 

Upon  landing  they  learned  from  the  authorities  that  an  aerogram 
was  received  from  Bluefields  stating  that  on  the  launch  Guillermina 
many  revolutionists  were  coming,  among  them  Gen.  Gordon  and 
many  Americans.  Several  remained  in  Limon,  others  came  on  to 
Panama.  There  came  in  the  Guillermina  Fabio  Guerra  de  Rivas, 
Col.  Zurrivas,  Rafael  Morales,  and  several  Costa  Ricans.  Gen. 
Gordon  remained  in  Costa  Rica.  This  American  says  that  the 
revolution  has  not  responded  to  the  work  wrhich  he  had  so  de- 
votedly undertaken  for  it.  According  to  reliable  data,  he  addressed 
a  letter  from  Bluefields  to  the  Associated  Press  of  New  York  expressing 
himself  in  bitter  terms  against  the  revolution.  Gen.  Gordon  was 
embarked  by  two  American  policemen,  and  by  order  of  the  American 
consul,  Mr.  Moffat — together  with  C.  J.  Goddard,  Lewis,  and  D.  Jor- 
dan, engineer  of  the  steamer  Marietta — Gordon  was  expelled  from 
Bluefields  for  having  spoken  ill  of  the  revolution. 

Miss  Amelia  Zelaya,  principal  of  the  college  in  Bluefields,  was  noti- 
fied by  the  chief  of  police,  Solon  Lacayo,  to  immediately  vacate  her 
residence. 

Drs.  Jose  Leon  Samayoa  and  Narciso  Sotomayan  should  be  in  San 
Juan  del  Norte  for  they  were  placed  in  liberty  when  El  Bluff  was 
taken  by  the  Government  forces. 

We  had  the  opportunity  to  see  a  photograph  of  the  dynamo  which 
the  Americans  nave  placed  in  the  center  of  the  city  of  Bluefields. 
This  dynamo  was  in  constant  connection  with  the  hills  Sandino,  Pul, 
Belanger,  and  other  fortifications  where  mines  are  planted  for  the 
defense  of  the  port. 

There  are  two  hospitals,  the  Central  and  the  Columbus.  In  the 
first  revolutionists  are  treated  and  in  the  second  the  Government 
wounded.  Both  hospitals  are  badly  managed,  the  Columbus  being 
the  worst  conducted. 

The  economic  situation  of  the  revolution  is  distressing,  most  pre- 
carious; salaries  not  having  been  paid  for  months.  We  thank  Mr. 
Lola  for  the  information  that  we  publish  to-day  and  we  wish  him 
happiness  with  his  family  and  friends. 


[La  Nacion,  julio  5.] 
SENSACIONAL INGRATA    LABOR. 

Procedente  de  Bluefields  llegaron  ayer  a  esta  capital  varias  personas 
que  estuvieron  prisioneras  en  poder  de  la  revolution  y  que  a  ultima 
hora  consiguieron  permiso  para  regresar  al  interior.  Estas  informan, 
entre  otras  cosas,  que  el  12  de  junio  ultimo  hubo  en  Bluefields  una 
reunion  a  que  asistieron  los  Generales  Juan  J.  Estrada,  Emiliano 
Chamorro,  Adolfo  Diaz,  Zenon  Rafael  Rivera,  Mr.  Beer,  gerente  dela 
Cat  Company,  Jacobo  L.  Colm,  de  la  casa  Weil  y  Compania  y  algunos 
americanos  mas. 


74  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

En  la  sesion  se  propuso  y  discutio  el  plan  de  proclamar  la  indepen- 
dencia  de  la  Costa  Atlantica,  con  el  nombre  de  (Nueva  Nicaragua) r 
bajo  el  protectorado  de  los  Estados  Unidos. 

El  asunto  se  trato  detenidamente.  El  General  Estrada  acepto 
desde  luego  la  idea.  Los  senores  Chamorro  y  Diaz  la  adyersaron  al 
principio.  For  ultimo,  bajo  las  instancias  de  los  americanos,  que 
amenazaron  con  retirar  su  apoyo  a  la  revolucion  si  no  se  resolvia 
f  avorablemente  su  propuesta,  se  convino  en  aguardar  el  resultado  de  la 
expedicion  del  General  Mena  a  Chontales;  y  en  caso  de  ser  adverso, 
proclamar  la  independencia  de  la  Costa. 

Estrada  recibira  1,000,000  de  dolares.  Estan  ademas  preparados, 
segun  se  dijo  alii,  15,000,000  de  dolares  para  el  fomento  de  la  costa, 
bajo  un  plan  administrative  que  esta  ya  combinado  y  que  solo  espera 
que  se  haga  effect iva  la  secesion. 

Habra  un  gobierno  presidido  por  el  Gral.  Estrada,  quedando  la 
administracion  financiera  de  la  nueva  Republica,  bajo  el  control  del 
Gobierno  Americano.  La  administraci6n  de  Justicia  se  bar  a  por 
una  Corte  compuesta  de  cinci  Magistrados  que  puedan  ser  extranjeros 
residentes. 

Estrada  y  su  partidp  creen  firmemente  que  ese  plan  sera  apoyado 
por  el  Gobierno  Americano,  segun  seguridades  dadas  por  el  Consulo 
Moff  at,  que  ha  sido  el  alma  de  la  revolucion  en  los  ultimos  meses.  Ase- 
guran  los  mismos  informanantes  que  cuando  la  toma  del  Bluff  por 
las  fuerzas  del  Gobierno  y  la  operation  del  (Venus)  frente  a  Bluefields, 
los  revolutionaries,  creyendose  perdidos,  pensaron  decididamente  en 
proponer  la  paz,  medlante  garantias  y  pago  de  las  deudas  de  la  revo- 
lucion; pero  el  Consul  Moff  at  se  opuso,  les  asegur6  el  apoyo  americano 
y  combino  con  el  Comandante  del  Paducah  la  intervencion  que  frustr6 
la  accion  pacificadora  del  Gobierno  de  Nicaragua. 

[Translation.] 
[From  La  Nacion,  Managua.] 

SENSATIONAL.    * 

Several  persons  who  had  been  prisoners  of  the  revolution  and  who 
were  recently  released  reached  this  capital  from  Bluefields  yesterday. 
They  state,  among  other  things,  that  on  June  12  last  there  was 
a  meeting  in  Bluefields  at  which  were  present  Gens.  Juan  J.  Estrada, 
Emiliano  Chamorro,  Adolfo  Diaz,  Zenon  Rafael  Rivera,  Mr.  Beer, 
agent  of  the  Cat  Co.,  Jacobo  L.  Cohn,  of  the  house  of  Weil  &  Co.,  and 
some  other  Americans. 

The  plan  to  proclaim  the  independence  of  the  Atlantic  coast  with 
the  name  of  New  Nicaragua,  under  the  protectorate  of  the  United 
States,  was  proposed  and  discussed  at  the  meeting. 

The  matter  was  considered  at  length.  Gen.  Estrada  at  once 
accepted  the  idea.  Messrs.  Chamorro  and  Diaz  were  opposed  at 
first.  Finally,  at  the  instance  of  the  Americans,  who  threatened  to 
withdraw  their  support  from  the  revolution  if  its  proposal  was  not 
accepted,  it  was  agreed  to  await  the  outcome  of  the  expedition  of 
Gen.  Mena  against  Chontales;  and  in  case  it  be  adverse  to  proclaim 
the  independence  of  the  coast. 

Estrada  will  receive  $1,000,000.  There  are  ready  besides,  accord- 
ing to  what  is  said  there,  $15,000,000  for  the  development  of  the 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIES.  75 

coast  under  an  administrative  plan  already  formed  and  which  only 
awaits  the  actual  secession. 

There  will  be  a  government  headed  by  Gen.  Estrada,  the  financial 
administration  of  the  new  Republic  being  under  control  of  the  Ameri- 
can Government.  Justice  wfll  be  administered  by  a  court  composed 
of  five  justices,  who  may  be  resident  foreigners. 

Estrada  and  his  party  firmly  believe  that  this  scheme  will  be  aided 
by  the  American  Government,  in  view  of  assurances  given  by  Consul 
Moffat,  who  has  been  the  soul  of  the  revolution  in  these  last  months. 
The  same  informants  state  that  when  El  Bluff  was  taken  by  the 
Government  forces  and  the  operations  of  the  Venus  before  Blue- 
fields,  the  revolutionists  believing  that  all  was  lost,  thought  of 
proposing  peace  on  the  basis  of  guaranties  and  the  payment  of  the 
debts  of  the  revolution;  but  Consul  Moffat  opposed  it,  assuring  them 
of  the  assistance  of  the  American  Government,  and  with  the  com- 
mander of  the  PaducaJi  brought  about  the  intervention  which 
defeated  the  action  in  the  interests  of  peace  taken  by  the  Govern- 
ment of  Nicaragua.  **" 


[San  Francisco  Call  May  3, 1910. [ 

TAFT  PROUD  OF  CHOICE  OF  KNOX — PRESIDENT  ACKNOWLEDGES  DEBT 
TO  PENNSYLVANIA  FOR  HEAD  OF  CABINET  TABLE — CLAIMS  MERIT 
ONLY  FOR  WISE  SELECTION — SECRETARY  GIVEN  FULL  CREDIT  FOR 

FRIENDLY    RELATIONS    WITH    SOUTH    AMERICA "BIG    BILL"    ROOTS 

AT   THE    PITTSBURGH-CHICAGO    GAME. 

PITTSBURGH,   May  7. 

President  Taft  ended  his  two  days'  stay  in  Pittsburgh  with  a 
speech  at  the  Grant  Day  dinner  of  the  American  Club  to-night,  in 
which  he  dealt  almost  wholly  with  the  foreign  affairs  of  the  Nation. 
The  President  paid  a  striking  tribute  to  Secretary  of  State  Knox, 
who  was  present.  He  vigorously  defended  and  justified  the  Sec- 
retary's Nicaraguan  policy  and  flayed  those  who  invented  the  phrase 
1 ' dollar  diplomacy." 

Taft  had  an  exceedingly  busy  day  and  was  pretty  well  tired  out 
when  he  retired  to  his  private  car  to-night,  preparatory  to  leaving  at 
2.30  a.  m.  for  Cincinnati,  where  he  is  due  at  10.25  a.  m.  to-morrow. 
Count  von  Bernstorff,  who  was  in  the  presidential  party  all  day,  left 
with  the  President  to-night  for  Cincinnati. 

TAFT  ROOTS  AT  BALL  GAME. 

The  President's  day  began  with  a  brief  address  to  the  students  at 
the  Pennsylvania  State  College  for  Women,  and  he  next  made  an 
address  at  the  Founders'  Day  exercises  at  Carnegie  Institute. 

After  luncheon  at  the  University  Club  came  the  ball  game  between 
Pittsburgh  and  Chicago.  The  fact  that  the  President  was  to  attend 
brought  an  extremely  large  crowd.  Taft  had  expressed  a  desire  to 
"sit  among  the  fans,"  but  the  local  committee  took  him  to  a  box 
on  the  second  tier  of  the  big  grand  stand.  Count  von  Bernstorff  sat 
with  the  President,  and  Secretary  Knox  sat  in  the  next  box. 

The  President  was  preceded  at  the  banquet  by  Senator  W.  E, 
Borah,  of  Idaho,  who  made  an  eloquent  address  on  the  life  of  Grant. 
Senator  George  T.  Oliver,  of  Penns}r]vania,  was  toastmaster- 


76  NICARAGUA^  AFFAIRS. 

PRAISE    FOR    KNOX. 

The  President  said: 

I  am  greatly  indebted  to  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  to  the  city  of  Pittsburgh, 
:and  to  the  American  Club  for  giving  me  that  gentleman  who  site  at  the  head  of  my 
cabinet  table,  and  who,  in  the  exercise  of  ability  and  learning  which  brought  him  to 
the  head  of  your  bar  and  distinguished  his  service  as  Attorney  General  of  the  United 
States  and  as  a  Senator  from  Pennsylvania,  has  given  wise  counsel  of  the  utmost  value 
in  guiding  the  course  of  the  administration. 

As  the  law  officer  of  the  Government  who  conducted  to  a  successful  issue  the 
greatest  of  the  cases  in  which  the  meaning  and  limitations  of  the  antitrust  act  were 
considered,  and  who,  by  his  successful  advocacy,  called  a  halt  upon  the  movement 
which  threatened  a  merger  of  all  railroads  in  the  hands  of  one  syndicate,  he  took  his 
place  among  the  statesmen  of  the  country;  and,  while  respecting  the  rights  of  capital 
and  the  great  advantage  of  its  efficient  organization,  was  alive  "to  the  danger  to  the 
public  wealth  which  lies  in  the  suppression  of  healthful  competition  and  in  the  abuse 
of  the  privilege  of  organization  to  secure  private  monopoly  and  excessive  profit. 

PRESIDENT   REFERS    TO    TARIFF. 

As  the  head  of  the  great  State  Department,  having  in  its  charge  our  foreign  relations, 
Mr.  Knox  has  shown  the  same  capacity  foi  guarding  the  interests  of  his  client,  the 
United  States,  and  her  people  in  dealing  with  foreign  nations  as  he  did  in  protecting 
their  rights  against  the  unlawful  encroachment  of  domestic  combinations  of  capital. 

The  President  referred  to  the  successful  culmination  of  the  recent 
negotiations  under  the  maximum  and  minimum  provisions  of  the 
new  tariff  law  and  continued: 

The  work  has  been  done  by  Mr.  Knox  and  the  State  Department  and  has  been 
done  well. 

Further  complimenting  Knox,  the  President  said: 

I  venture  to  affirm  that  never  before  in  the  history  of  the  country  have  our  relations 
with  South  America  and  Central  American  Republics  been  more  friendly  than  they 
are  to-day. 

ZELAYA    TERMED    A    TYRANT. 

The  great  disturber  of  Central  America  in  recent  years  has  been  Zelaya,  the  tyran- 
nical and  unprincipled  President  of  the  Republic  of  Nicaragua.  In  every  plan  for  the 
promotion  of  peace  and  friendly  relations  between  the  five  republics  he  played  the 
part  of  marplot. 

When  his  brutal  and  cruel  exactions  drove  a  part  of  the  people  of  Nicaragua  into 
rebellion  and  an  extended  civil  war,  he  violated  the  laws  of  war  and  the  rights  of 
American  citizens  who  had  regularly  enlisted  in  the  ranks  of  the  revolutionists  by 
taking  their  lives.  He  thus  gave  a  right  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States  to 
demand  reparation  and  to  withdraw  all  diplomatic  relations. 

It  is  undoubtedly  true  that  the  attitude  of  the  United  States  toward  Zelaya  so 
injured  his  prestige  and  brought  him  so  clearly  to  the  bar  of  the  public  opinion  of  the 
world  as  an  international  criminal  that  he  was  obliged  to  abdicate  and  leave  the 
Government  to  a  better  man. 

WILL    ASK    REPARATION. 

The  leaders  of  both  factions,  Madriz  and  Estrada,  have  admitted  the  unjust  char- 
acter of  the  killing  of  Groce  and  Cannon.  This  Government  must  consider  at  the  proper 
time  calling  upon  the  Government  of  Nicaragua,  when  one  can  be  recognized,  to  make 
such  reparation  as  shall  seem  to  be  just  for  this  violation  of  American  rights  and  to 
give  adequate  .guaranties  for  the  future  observance  and  strengthening  on  the  part  of 
Nicaragua  of  the  Washington  conventions. 

As  a  confirmation  of  the  friendly  relations  between  this  country  and  all  South 
America,  Argentina  has  placed  in  the  United  States  the  contract  for  two  battleships  and 
certain  additional  naval  armament,  amounting  in  money  value  to  about  $23,000,000, 
and  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  we  shall  have  further  contracts  of  a  similar  sort 
placed  in  the  United  States  by  other  South  American  governments.  The  oppor- 
tunity to  get  this  business  was  brought  about  directly  by  the  untiring  efforts  of  the 
Department  of  State. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  77 

After  praising  the  reorganization  of  the  State  Department,  which 
made  the  contracts  possible,  President  Taft  continued: 

There  is  nothing  inconsistent  in  the  promotion  of  peaceful  relations  and  the  promo- 
tion of  trade  relations. 

"DOLLAR  DIPLOMACY"  PHRASE. 

To  call  such  diplomacy  "dollar  diplomacy,"  and  thus  apply  to  it  what  is  deemed  by 
the  authors  of  the  phrase  an  expression  of  contempt,  is  to  ignore  entirely  a  most  useful 
office  to  be  performed  by  a  government  in  its  dealings  with  foreign  governments. 

Our  trade  has  grown  quite  beyond  the  limits  of  this  country.  With  an  annual  for- 
eign trade  exceeding  $2,000.000,000,  our  State  Department  could  not  vindicate  its 
existence  or  justify  a  policy  which  in  any  way  withheld  a  fostering,  protecting,  and 
stimulating  hand  in  the  development  and  extension  of  that  trade. 

In  our  agreements  with  China  we  have  provisions  whereby  the  Chinese  Govern- 
ment promises  to  reform  its  currency  and  to  abolish  liken,  a  mode  of  internal  taxation 
which  weighs  against  our  trade,  and  to  give  a  share  of  railway  loans  to  American  capital . 

PRAISES  "OPEN  DOOR"  POLICY. 

The  policy  of  the  "open  door' '  was  inaugurated  by  this  Government  while  John  Hay 
was  Secretary  of  State,  and  had  its  inception  in  a  note  circulated  among  the  powers 
by  him.  It  has  been  the  intention  and  purpose  of  this  •  administration  to  conserve 
and  maintain  that  policy  as  far  as  possible,  and  we  can  not  look  with  satisfaction 
or  quietly  acquiesce  in  a  silent  defeat  of  that  policy  in  the  actual  measures  adopted 
by  any  of  the  governments  interested. 

The  President  concluded: 

To  the  record  of  a  year's  accomplishments  under  Secretary  Knox  in  our  foreign 
affairs  I  think  I  may  properly  point  with  pride,  and  yet  with  becoming  irodesty, 
for  it  is  his  work  and  not  mine.  All  I  can  claim  is  the  merit  of  selecting  him  for  the 
task. 

FRUIT  GROWERS  AFTER  TAFT. 

ST.  Louis,  May  2. — "We  shall  have  some  pointed  questions  to  ask  President  Taft 
when  he  speaks  here  Wednesday." 

Thus  declared  W.  H.  Wrightson,  of  Fresno,  Cal.,  president  of  the 
California  Fruit  Growers'  Association,  in  an  address  here  to-day 
before  the  National  Farmers'  Union. 

"The  people  in  our  State  are  coining  to  the  conclusion,"  said  Wrightson,  "that  the 
tariff  is  no  good  to  either  the  producer  or  the  consumer.  WTe  producers  do  not  get 
the  high  prices  foi  food  products." 

[San  Francisco  Call.,  Mayo  3  de  1910.] 

TAFT  ALOGIA  A  KNOX  ANTE  EL  AMERICAN  CLUB EL  JEFE  DEL  EJERU- 

TIVO  SE  ALABA  A  SI  MISMO  POR  SU  SABIA  ELECCION  DE  JEFE  DE  SU 
CABINETE EL  PRESIDENTS  GASTA  DOS  DIAS  ESTRENUOS  EN  PITTS- 
BURGH, Y  PARTE  PARA  CINCINNATI. 

El  Presidente  Taft  termino  sus  dos  dias  de  parada  en  Pittsburgh 
con  un  discurso  pronunciado  esta  noche  en  la  comida  del  Club  Ame- 
ricano por  el  aniversario  de  Grant,  en  el  que  se  concrete  enteramente 
a  las  relaciones  exteriores  de  la  nacion.  El  Presidente  rindio  notable 
tribute  al  Secretario  de  Estado  Knox,  alii  presente.  Defendio  y 
justifico  vigorosamente  la  politica  del  Secretario  respecto  a  Nica- 
ragua, j  fustigo  a  los  que  inventaron  la  frase  "Diplomacia  de  dollar.'' 

Taft  tuvo  un  dia  excesivamente  ocupado  y  estaba  muy  cansado 
cuando  se  retiro  esta  noche  a  su  carro  privado  antes  de  partir  a  las 


78  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

2.30  para  Cincinnati,  a  donde  llegara  manana  a  las  10.25  de  la  ma- 
nana.  El  Conde  von  Bernstoeff,  que  estuvo  todo  el  dia  entre  el 
acompanamiento  del  Presidente,  marcho  con  este  para  Cincinnati. 

TAFT    COMIENZA    EL   DIA    CON    EL  JUEGO   DE   LA   PELOTA. 
******* 

ELOGIO    A    KNOX. 

El  Presidente  dijo: 

Soy  en  gran  manera  dendor  al  Estado  de  Pennsylvania,  a  la  ciudad  de  Pittsburgh,  y 
al  Club  Americano,  por  haberme  dado  a  ese  caballero  que  ocupa  el  primer  asiento  en  la 
mesa  de  mi  Cabinete,  y  cuyos  talentos  e  ilustracion  lo  colocaron  aqui  a  la  cabeza  del 
Foro,  e  hicieron  distinguidos  sus  servicios  como  prpcurador  general  de  los  Estados 
Unidcs,  y  como  senador  de  Pennsylvania,  y  ha  contribuido  con  sabios  y  muy  valiosos 
consejos  a  guiar  la  marcha  de  la  Administracion. 

Como  empleado  judicial  del  Gobierno  que  condujo  a  un  resultado  feliz  el  mayor 
de  los  asuntos  en  que  hubieron  de  jugar  su  papel  la  significacion  y  restricciones  de 
la  ley  contra  los  monopolies,  mediante  su  eficar  gestion,  obligo  a  hacer  alto  al  movi- 
miento  que  amenaraba  con  anegar  a  todos  los  ferrocarriles  en  el  vientre  de  un  sin- 
dicado,  ocupo  su  puesto  entre  los  estadistas  del  pais;  y  sin  dejar  nunca  de  respetar 
los  derechos  del  capital,  y  la  gran  ventaja  de  su  organization  adecuada,  tuvo  muy 
presente  el  peligro  que  entrana  para  la  riqueza  publica,  la  supresion  de  la  sana  com- 
petencia,  y  el  abuso  de  la  ventaja  de  la  organizacion,  en  favor  del  monopolio  privado 
y  de  la  excesiva  ganancia. 

EL   PRESIDENTE   HACE    REPERENCIA    A    LA   TARIFA. 

En  su  calidad  de  jefe  del  gran  Departamento  de  Estado,  que  tiene  a  su  cargo  nuestras 
relaciones  estranjeras,  el  Seiior  Knox  ha  dado  muestras  de  la  misma  capacidad,  para 
resguardas  los  intereses  de  su  cliente,  que  son  los  Estados  Unidos  y  su  pueblo,  al 
tratarse  de  naciones  extranjeras;  que  habia  dejado  ver,  contra  los  ilegales  avances 
de  las  combinaciones  domesticas  del  capital. 

Esta  ha  sido  la  labor  de  Mr.  Knox  y  del  Departamento  de  Estado; 
y  ha  sido  bien  ejecutada. 

Complimentando  i,  Knox  todavia  mas,  el  Presidentedyo : 

Me  aventuro  a  afirmar  que  jamas  en  la  historia  del  pais,  han  sido  nuestras  relaciones 
con  Centro  y  Sur  America  mas  amistosas  que  el  dia  de  hoy. 

LLAMA    TIRANO    A   ZELAYA. 

El  gran  perturbador  de  Centro  America  en  los  ultimos  afios  ha  sido  Zelaya,  tirano 
inmoral,  Presidente  de  la  Republica  de  Nicaragua.  En  todo  pensamiento  dirigido 
a  procurar  la  par  y  las  amistosas  relaciones  entre  las  cirro  republicas,  el  hacia  el  papel 
de  enredador. 

Cuando  sus  exigencies  brutales  y  crueles  lanzaron  a  la  rebelion  a  una  parte  del 
pueblo  de  Nicaragua,  siguie'ndose  una  extensa  guerra  civil,  vislo  las  leyes  de  la  guerra 
y  los  derechos  de  los  ciudadanos  Americanos,  alistadps  en  las  filas  de  la  revolucion, 
quitandoles  la  vida.  Dio  derecho,  con  esto,  al  Gobierno  de  los  Estados  Unidos  de 
pedir  reparacion,  y  *  *  *  cortar  las  relaciones  diplomaticas. 

Es  indudablemente  cierto  que  la  actitud  de  los  Estados  Unidos  hacia  Zelaya,  de 
tal  manora  dano  su  prestigio,  y  tan  claramente  lo  colsio  ante  la  barra  de  la  opinion 
publica  del  mundo  como  criminal  internacional,  que  se  vio  obligado  a  abdicar  y 
.dejar  el  Gobierno  a  un  hombre  mejor. 

PEDIR  A    REPARACION. 

Los  jefes  de  ambas  facciones,  Madrfz  y  Estrada,  han  admitido  la  injusticia  de  la 
muerte  de  Groce  y  de  Cannon.  A  su  debida  tiempo,  cuando  pueda  reconocerse  un 
Gobierno  de  Nicaragua,  el  nuestro  le  pedird  que  haga  la  reparacion  que  parezca  justa 
por  tamana  violacion  de  los  derechos  Americanos,  y  que  rinda  garantia  adecuada 
para  la  futura  observancia  y  eficacia  de  las  Convenciones  de  Washington. 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  79 

En  confirmacion  de  las  amistosas  relaciones  existentes  entre  este  pais  y  Sur  Ame- 
rica, la  Argentina  ha  colocada  en  los  Estados  Unidos  el  contrato  para  la  construction 
de  dos  buques  de  batalla  y  otros  armamentos  navales,  montando  el  valor  de  todo 
carno  a  $23,000,000,  y  hag  razon  para  creer  que  otros  Gobiernos  Sud  Americanos 
colocaran  contratos  de  esta  clase  en  los  Estados  Unidos.  La  oportunidad  de  hacer 
estos  negorios  ha  sido  obra  directa  de  los  incansables  esfuerzos  del  Departamento  de 
Estado. 

Despues  de  elogiar  la  reorganizacion  del  Departamento  de  Estado, 
que  hizo  posibles  los  contratos,  el  Presidente  Taft  continue: 

No  hay  ninguna  incongruencia  entra  procurar  relaciones  pacificas  y  relaciones  de 
negocios. 

LA  FRASE  "DIPLOMACIA  DEL  DOLLAR." 

Llamar  esp  "  Diplpmacia  del  Dollar,"  y  aplicarl  a  lo que  entienden  los  autpres  de  esa 
frase,  una  signification  despectiva  es  echar  enteramente  en  olvido  la  utilidad  de  la 
mision  de  un  Gobierno  en  su  trado  con  los  Gobiernos  extranjeros. 

Nuestro  comercio  ha  crecido  mucho  mas  alia  de  los  limites  de  este  pais.  Excediendo 
anualmente  nuestro  comercio  extranjero  el  monto  de  $2,000,000,000,  nuestro  Depar- 
tamento de  Estado  no  podria  justificar  su  existencia,  si  su  politica  dejase  de  algun 
modo  de  infundir  aliento,  de  dar  protection,  de  impartir  estimulo  al  desarrollo  y 
ensanche  de  nuestro  comercio. 

ELOGIA   LA    POLITICA   DE    LA 

Este  Gobierno  inauguro  la  politica  de  "la  puerta  abierta"  siendo  John  Hay  Secre- 
tario  de  Estado,  y  envio  su  comienzo  en  una  nota  circular  que  dirigio  a  las  potencias. 
La  presente  Administration  abriga  la  intention  y  tiene  el  proposito  de  conservar  y 
mantener  esa  politica,  en  cuanto  sea  posible;  y  no  podremos  ver  con  satisfaction  que 
se  friistre  esa  politica  mediante  medidas  de  Gobiernos  interesados,  in  asentir  en  ello 
quietamente  y  en  silencio. 

El  Presidente  concluyo  asi : 

La  historia  de  lo  alcanzado  en  un  ano  en  nuestras  relaciones  exteriores  dirigidas 
por  el  Secretario  Knox,  crespoder  seiialarla  con  orgullo,  y  al  mismo  tiempo  con 
modestia,  porque  es  obra  suya  y  no  mia.  Todo  cuanto  puedo  pretender  es  el  merito 
de  haberlo  esergido  para  esa  tarea. 


fTraducci6n  exacta  de  un  artlcule  publicado  en  el  Daily  Star  &  Herald  de  Panamd  el  31  de  Mayo  de  1910.] 

ANTERPELARAN  A  KNOX LOS    DEMOCRATAS    QUIEREN    INVESTIGAR   EL 

ASUNTO    DE    NICARAGUA.      PONDERAN    AL    SECRETARIO    DE    ESTADO 
EN    EL    BANQUILLO. 

WASHINGTON,  20  de  Mayo. 

Mientras  que  la  Conferencia  de  Lake  Mohonk  proclama  el  reinado 
de  la  ley  y  la  supresion  de  la  fuerza  en  asuntos  internacionales  y  el 
Secretario  Knox  esta  recibiendo  f elicit aciones  por  haber  propuesto 
este  acuerdo  entre  las  republicas  Suramericanas  que  se  ban  ballado  al 
borde  de  la  guerra,  un  Senador  de  Estados  Unidos  esta  ocupadisimo 
preparando  una  interpelacion  sobre  la  politica  de  Knox  en  Nica- 
ragua, la  cual  puede  darle  tanta  preocupacion  al  Presidente  Taft 
como  el  asunto  Ballinger-Pinchot.  El  Senador  Stone  de  Missouri 
clurante  el  pasado  invierno  preparo  una  interpelacion  parecida, 
poniendo  en  duda  el,  derecho  del  Departamento  de  Estado  de  resol- 
versi  el  Presidente  Zelaya  debia  6  no  ser  responsable  personalmente  a 
este  Gobierno  por  la  ejecucion  de  Groce  y  Cannon,  pero,  el  Senador 
Money,  jefe  de  la  minoria  logro  persuadirlo  a  que  no  presentara  el 
escrito  referido  para  no  ariadir  complicaciones  al  trabajo  del  Depart  a- 


80  .  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

mento  de  Estado,  hasta  que  tuvieran  oportunidad  de  probar  el  efecto 
de  la  politica  inaugurada. 

Hoy,  sinembargo,  la  publicacion  de  la  resolucion  del  Departamento 
de  Estado,  declarendo  lo  que  piensa  hacer  y  la  politica  que  se  ha 
resuelto  a  seguir  respecto  del  bloqueo  de  Bluefields  y  del  vapor 
"Venus"  ha  levantado  una  tempest  ad  de  indignacion  entre  los  Jefes 
Democratas  de  la  Casa  de  Representantes  y  el  Senador  Money  le  ha 
pedido  al  Senador  Stone  una  aclaracion  de  estos  hechos  y  que  preparen 
un  resolucion  la  cual  sera  presentada  menana.  Hasta  hace  poco  las 
simpatias  del  Secretario  de  Estado  y  de  sus  subalternos  de  la  parte  de 
de  Latino-America  que  les  corresponde  han  estado  de  parte  de  los 
rebeldes  de  Estrado,  pero  la  or  den  a  las  autoridades  na  vales  en  el  mar 
Caribe  de  echar  al  Venus  al  Oceano  y  de  levantar  el  bloqueo,  porque 
el  Departamento  de  Estado  sin  previa  investigation  los  habia  de- 
clarado  responsables  de  "enganara  las  autoridades  de  un  puerto  de 
E.  E.  U.  U."  habiendo  zarpado  "disfrazado  de  barco  mercante" 
cuando  en  realidad  estaba  "destinado  para  vapor  de  guerra" 
perdiendo  por  lo  tanto  "todos  sus  derechos  como  beligerante,  tales 
como  derecho  de  registro  en  alta  mar  y  el  de  bloqueo"  es  una  barbara 
violacion  del  principio  de  Ley  Internacional  tal  como  se  entiende  en  el 
Capitolio,  y  los  Senadores  desean  saber  quien  es  responsable  por  seme 
jante  orden  y  sobre  que  se  basan  para  haberla  emitido. 

Al  intervenir  por  fuerza  con  los  movimientos  del  Venus  y  al 
alzar  el  bloqueo,  los'  oficiales  de  Marina  de  los  Estados  Unidos  han 
cpmetido  un  acto  de  enemistad  contra  Nicaragua,  violando  el  pri- 
cipio  de  neutralidad,  y  casi  declarando  la  guerra.  Al  declarar  que  el 
Venus  habia  perdido  sus  derechos  como  beligerante  por  haber 
enganado  a  lass  autoridades  de  Nueva  Orleans,  el  Departamento  de 
Estado  ha  cometido  un  error  ridiculo  que  no  tardara  en  corregir 
cuando  sepa  por  medio  del  Departamento  de.  Justicia  6  por  medio 
de  alguna  otra  autoridad  lo  que  ocurrio  en  las  Cortes  de  New  Orleans 
durante  la  semana  que  concluyo  el  30  de  Abril  ppdo.  El  Depart- 
qamento  de  Comercio  y  trabajo  y  el  de  Justicia  ambos  resolvieron  en 
favor  del  Venus,  entendiendo  claramente  la  Ley  y  los  hechos,  y  el 
Fiscal  General  ordeno  al  Fiscal  del  Estqado  de  Mississippi  que 
resolviera  el  asunto  de  acuerdo  con  la  ley  dejando  ir  al  Venus  si 
el  Gobierno  no  tenia  razon  para  procesarlo.  Por  lo  tanto  el  Departa- 
mento de  Estado  6  acusa  a  las  autoridades  Federales  de  Nueva 
Orleande  f  alta  de  inteligencia,  y  de  f alta  de  actividad  6  atribuye  a 
los  jepresentantes  de  Nicaragua  una  astucia  y  habilidad  en  el  arte 
diplomatico  igual  a  los  Orientales. 

Si  el  Venus  fue  traspasada  al  represent q ante  de  el  Presidente 
Madriz  en  San  Juan  del  Norte  como  reza  el  contrato  de  venta,  y  el 
Gral  Irias  del  Gobierno  Nicaraguense  se  hizo  cargo  de  el,  6  el  Venus 
se  transformo  en  barco  de  la  Marina  Nicaraguense,  con  perfecto 
derecho  a  ejercer  todos  sus  derechos  de  guerra,  6  se  hizo  pirata, 
exponiendose  a  captura.  Una  protesta  sera  presentada  por  Nicar- 
agua al  Departamento  de  Estado  por  esta  accion  ilegal,  y  mas  tarde 
sera  la  hase  para  un  pleito  por  danos  y  perjuicios. 

En  una  conferencia  que  tuvo  Mr.  Knox  recientemente  con  un 
Senador,  miembro  del  Comite  de  Relaciones  Exteriores,  el  Senador 
le  pregunto  que  quien  estabba  deteniendo  al  Venus  en  Nueva  Orleans. 

El  Senador  tambien  le  dijo  claramente  que  no  estando  los  revolu- 
cionarios  reconocidos  como,  beligerantes  no  tenian  por  lo  tanto 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS.  81 

ningun  derecho  segun  la  ley  internacional  a  lo  cual  contesto  Mr.  Knox 
que  era  verdad  y  que  el  no  habia  dado  orden  de  intervenir  con  el 
Venus,  que  oficialmente  no  sabia  lo  quepasaba  en  N.  Orleans,  f  que 
suponia  que  la  Oficina  Fiscal  de  Louisiana  investigaba  el  asunto  por 
su  propia  cuenta.  El  fingio  indiferencia  al  tratarse  de  Nicaragua  j 
parece  esperar  que  los  problemas  politivos  se  resuelvan  por  si  solos 
sin  intervencion  extrana.  Los  oficiales  de  Marina  en  aguas  de 
Nicaragua  hasta  hace  muy  poco  tiempo  por  lo  menos,  han  estado  en 
completa  ignorancia  de  los  deseos  de  la  Administration  en  este 
asunto. 

Es  probable  que  la  primer  interpelaci6n  sea  por  parte  de  los 
miembros  Democratas  del  Comite  de  Relaciones  Exteriores,  tal 
como  se  discutio  entre  ellos  hoy,  pero  talvez  los  Jefes  Dem6cratas 
en  el  Senado  se  les  adelanten.  Tambien  los  Republicanos  que  han 
estudiado  los  asuntos  de  Latino  America  creen  que  el  Departamento 
de  Estado  no  ha  obrado  de  acuerdo  con  los  precedentes  ni  con  las 
Leyes  Internacionales,  ni  dadole  la  importancia  a  los  asuntos  de 
Nicaragua  que  debiera,  6  el  Secretario  Knox  no  hubiera  cometido  las 
barrabasada  que  ahora  se  le  atribuyen. 

Un  cable  de  ultima  hora  nos  anuncia  que  el  Secretario  Knox  fue 
interpelado  en  el.  Senado  sobre  la  intervencion  de  barcos  de  guerra 
americanos  en  Bluefields,  Nicaragua. 


[From  the  weekly  Star  and  Herald,  Panama,  June  6  1910.] 

WOULD  INTERROGATE   KNOX — DEMOCRATS  WANT  NICARAGUA  N  AFFAIR 
OPENED MAY  PUT  SECRETARY  ON  THE  RACK. 

WASHINGTON,  May  20. 

While  the  Lake  Mohonk  conference  is  proclaiming  the  reign  of  law 
and  abolition  of  force  in  international  affairs  and  Secretary  Knox  is 
receiving  congratulations  for  bringing  about  an  understanding  be- 
'tween  the  South  American  Republics  which  have  been  on  the  verge 
of  war,  a  United  States  Senator  is  busy  penning  a  resolution  of  in- 
quiry into  the  Knox  policy  in  Nicaragua  which  may  give  President 
Taft  almost  as  much  worry  as  the  Ballinger-Pinchot  affair.  Senator 
Stone,  of  Missouri,  last  winter  prepared  a  resolution  questioning  the 
soundness  of  the  State  Department's  utterances  that  President  Ze- 
laya  should  be  held  personally  responsible  by  this  Government  for 
the  execution  of  Groce  and  Cannon,  but  Senator  Money,  as  minority 
leader,  persuaded  him  to  withhold  it  and  not  add  to  the  administra- 
tion's troubles  until  they  had  an  opportunity  to  test  the  new  policy. 

To-day,  however,  the  publication  of  a  statement  by  the  Depart- 
ment of  State,  declaring  what  its  policy  shall  be  toward  the  Blue- 
fields  blockade  and  the  steamer  Venus,  has  aroused  the  indignation 
of  the  Democratic  leaders  of  the  House,  and  Senator  Money  then 
asked  Senator  Stone  to  look  into  the  facts  of  the  case  and  prepare  a 
resolution  which  probably  will  be  offered  to-morrow.  Heretofore 
the  sympathies  of  the  Secretary  of  State  or  of  his  subordinates  in  the 
Latin- American  division  for  whom  he  is  responsible,  have  been  with 
78467—13 6 


82  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

the  Estrada  insurgents,  but  the  order  to  the  naval  authorities  in  the 
Caribbean  to  drive  the  Venus  into  the  ocean  and  raise  the  blockade, 
because  it  had  been  found  guilty  by  the  department,  without  an  in- 
vestigation into  the  facts,  of  ''deceiving  the  authorities  at  a  port  of 
the  United  States"  by  sailing  therefrom  "in  the  guise  of  a  merchant- 
man/' when  in  reality  she  was  "destined  for  use  as  a  war  vessel/' 
thereby  forfeiting  "full  belligerent  rights,  such  as  the  right  of  search 
on  the  seas  and  on  the  blockade,"  is  such  a  flagrant  violation  of  the 
principle  of  international  law  as  understood  at  the  Capitol  that  Sen- 
ators desire  to  know  who  is  responsible  for  the  order  and  on  what  it 
is  based. 

In  forcibly  interfering  with  the  movements  of  the  Venus  and  lift- 
ing the  blockade,  the  United  States  naval  officers  have  committed 
an  unfriendly  act  toward  Nicaragua  in  violation  of  the  principle  of 
neutrality,  if  not  an  act  of  war.  In  declaring  that  the  Venus  has 
forfeited  belligerent  rights  by  deceiving  the  authorities  of  New  Or- 
leans, the  State  Department  has  made  a  ridiculous  misrepresentation 
of  facts  which  no  doubt  it  will  be  eager  to  correct  when  it  hears  from 
the  Department  of  Justice,  or  learns  from  some  authority  what  was 
happening  in  the  New  Orleans  courts  during  the  week  ending  April 
30,  last.  The  Department  of  Commerce  and  Labor  and  the  De- 
partment of  Justice  both  passed  upon  the  Venus  case  with  a  clear 
understanding  of  the  law  and  the  facts,  and  the  Attorney  General 
instructed  District  Attorney  Beatty  to  dismiss  the  libel  against  the 
vessel  if,  after  a  careful  investigation,  he  was  of  the  opinion  that  the 
United  States  could  not  ask  for  her  forfeit.  The  State  Department, 
therefore,  either  accuses  the  Federal  authorities  at  New  Orleans  of 
a  lack  of  intelligence  and  due  diligence  or  attributes  to  the  Nica- 
raguan representatives  an  astuteness  and  cleverness  in  the  art  of 
diplomacy  equal  to  that  of  the  oriental. 

If  the  Venus  was  transferred  to  the  representative  of  President 
Madriz,  at  Greytown,  as  was  provided  in  the  contract  of  sale,  and 
Gen.  Irias,  of  the  Nicaraguan  Army  took  charge,  either  she  became 
a  vessel  of  the  Nicaraguan  Navy  and  was  entitled  to  exercise  all  of 
the  rights  of  war,  or  she  became  a  pirate,  subject  to  capture.  A  pro- . 
test  will  be  lodged  by  Nicaragua  with  the  State  Department  for  this 
unwarranted  act,  which  later  may  be  made  the  basis  of  a  counter- 
claim for  damages. 

At  a  recent  meeting  between  Secretary  Knox  and  a  Senator  who 
is  a  member  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations,  the  former  was 
asked  to  state  the  authority  on  which  the  Venus  was  being  held  at 
New  Orleans.  The  Senator  stated  very  positively  that  the  insurgents 
had  not  been  accorded  belligerent  rights  and  therefore  had  no  status 
whatever  in  international  law.  Secretary  Knox  admitted  this  to  be 
true  and  said  that  he  had  not  issued  any  instructions  to  interfere  with 
the  Venus,  did  not  know  officially  what  was  being  done  in  New 
Orleans,  and  supposed  that  the  district  attorney's  office  was  conduct- 
ing an  investigation  of  its  own  motion.  He  appeared  to  be  indifferent 
as  to  conditions  in  Nicaragua  and  to  be  waiting  for  political  affairs 
to  adjust  themselves  without  interference.  The  naval  officers  in 
Nicaraguan  waters  until  very  recently  at  least,  have  been  in  absolute 
ignorance  of  the  wishes  of  the  administration  in  this  affair. 

It  is  possible  that  a  resolution  of  inquiry  may  be  offered  by  some 
Democratic  Members  of  the  House  Committee  on  Foreign  Affairs,  as 


NICARAGIJAN   AFFAIRS.  83 

it  was  discussed  among  them  to-day,  but  there  is  a  disposition  to  let 
the  Democratic  leaders  in  the  Senate  have  the  first  chance  at  it. 
There  is  a  feeling  among  some  of  the  Kepublicans  who  have  studied 
conditions  in  Latin- America  that  the  State  Department  has  not  given 
precedents  of  international  law  and  to  actual  facts  in  Nicaragua  which 
the  present  situation  seems  to  demand  or  Secretary  Knox  would  not 
have  committed  the  blunders  that  are  now  attributed  to  him. 

Since  the  above  was  transmitted  a  cable  dispatch  has  been  received 
from  Washington  stating  that  Secretary  Knox  was  interpolated  in 
the  Senate  on  the  intervention  of  American  warships  at  Bluefields, 
Nicaragua. 

Senator  FALL.  Were  these  translations  in  Spanish  ever  published 
in  Nicaragua  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir. 

Senator  FALL.  I  understand  that  these  translations,  together  with 
the  other  newspaper  clippings,  and  so  forth,  were  collected  and  made 
by  Dr.  Madriz,  or  under  his  instructions,  with  the  intent  eventually 
of  having  the  same  published  in  book  form,  together  with  the  other 
documents  and  so  forth,  in  this  collection  of  papers,  in  order  that  the 
entire  history  of  the  course  of  the  United  States  in  Nicaraguan  affairs 
during  the  Madriz  administration  might  be  understood. 

The  witness  also  presents  a  proclamation  printed  with  many  signa- 
tures, entitled  "  Latin  America  against  the  Imperialist  Yankee/' 
and  dated  San  Jose,  Costa  Rica,  September  1,  1912,  and  addressed  to 
Mr.  Marshall  Langhorne,  minister  of  the  United  States  to  Costa  Rica, 
as  follows: 

LA    AMERICA     LATINA    CONTRA    EL    IMPERIALISM*)    YANKEE — PROTESTA 
COLECTIVA    POR   LA    OCUPACION    MILITAR   DE    NICARAGUA. 

SAN  JOSE,  C.  R.,  SAN  JOSE,  C.  R., 

1°  de  Setiembre  de  1912.    .  September  1,  1912. 

A  Su  Excelencia  el  Seiior  MAR-  To  His  Excellency  Mr.  MARSHALL 

SHALL  LANGHORNE,  LANGHORNE, 

Ministro  de  los  Estados  Uni-  Minister  of  the   United  States 

dos  de   America  en    Costa  in  Costa  Rica. 

Rica.  City. 

Ciudad. 

SENOR  MINISTRO  :  Sois  por  vue-  DEAR  SIR  :  By  your  nationality 

stra  nacionalidad  el  representante  you  are  the  representative  of  a 

de  un  pueblo  gigantesco  y  mara-  gigantic    and   wonderful   Nation 

villoso    v    por    vuestra    posicion  and  by  your  official  position  the 

oficial,  el  Ministro  de  un  Gobierno  minister  of  a  Government  who  is 

que  se  dice  port  a-est  and  art  e  de  la  said  to  be  the  standard  bearer  of 

civilizacion  y  de  la  justicia  en  el  civilization   and   justice    on   this 

Continent  e.  continent. 

Como  ciudadano  de  los  Estados  As  a  citizen  of  the  United  States 

Unidos  y  como  Ministro  del  Go-  and  as  a  minister  of  the  Washing- 

bierno  de  Washington,   os  pedi-  ton  Government,  we  pray  you  to 

mos  que  pongais  en  evidencia  los  bring  into  evidence  the  ideals  of 

ideales  de  vuestro  gran  pueblo  y  your  great  Nation  and  the  civi- 

los     sentimientos     civilizados    y  lized  and  equitable  sentiments  of 


84 


XICARAGUAN.  AFFAIRS. 


justicieros  de  vuestro  Gobierno, 
respecto  a  la  horrible  y  desespe- 
rante  situacion  en  que  se  encu- 
entra  Nicaragua. 

La  guerra  civil  que  estallo  hace 
un  mes  entre  dos  fracciones  del 
partido  conservador  de  aquel 
pals,  se  ha  robustecido  y  au- 
mentado  con  la  presencia  en 
Nicaragua  de  soldados  america- 
nos,  que  violan  la  soberania  na- 
cional,  aunque  se  invoque  el  pre- 
texto  de  c[ue  esa  ocupacion  militar 
fue  solicitada  por  el  jefe  de  uno 
de  los  bandos  contendientes.  So- 
bre  los  extravios  y  las  ambiciones 
nefandas  de  politicos  de  mala  ley, 
estan  los  principios  inviolables  y 
serenos  del  Derecho  Internacionai. 

El  senor  Adolfo  Diaz  no  repre- 
senta  la  opinion  publica  de  Nica- 
ragua, ni  siquiera  la  autoridad 
desprestigiada  de  un  gobierno 
sostenido  por  la  fuerza:  el  Con- 
greso  Nacional  desconocio  al  senor 
Diaz  como  Mandatario  y  lo  de- 
claro  traidor  a  la  Republica  por 
haber  solicitado,  para  sostenerse 
en  el  poder,  el  apoyo  de  soldados 
americanos.  De  modo,  pues,  que 
no  deben  ser  atendibles  para  un 
Gobierno  serio  y  poderoso  como 
el  vuestro,  las  humillantes  solici- 
tudes de  apoyo  que  le  dirija,  para 
violar  el  sagrado  de  la  Patria  y  los 
principios  del  Derecho  de  Gentes 
un  individuo  desnaturalizado  de 
un  pais  que  le  niega  sus  simpatias 
y  hasta  sus  derechos  de  ciuda- 
dano,  llamandole  traidor. 


El  anuncio  que  se  ha  hecho  de 
nuevos  desembarcos  de  tropas 
americanas  en  Nicaragua  ha  de- 
spertado  hondos  recelos  y  serias 
inquietudes  en  Centro  America  y 
probablemente  en  el  seno  de  las 
otras  republicas  latinoamericanas. 
Y  como  se  tiene  ya  noticia  de  la 
gran  irritation  que  han  producido 
tales  hechos  y  rumores  en  Nica- 
ragua, es  facil  suponer  que  lejos 


your  Government  regarding  the 
horrid  and  desperate  situation  of 
Nicaragua. 

The  civil  war  that  broke  out  a 
month  ago  between  two  factions 
of  the  conservative  party  of  that 
country  is  now  being  augmented 
and  made  worse  with  the  presence 
in  Nicaragua  of  American  soldiers 
who  violate  the  national  sover- 
eignty, notwithstanding  that  it  is 
argued  that  such  military  occupa- 
tion has  been  requested  by  the 
leader  of  one  of  the  contending 
factions.  Above  the  deviations 
and  nefarious  ambitions  of  per- 
verse politicians,  are  the  inviolable 
and  serene  principles  of  interna- 
tional law. 

Mr.  Adolfo  Diaz  does  not  repre- 
sent public  opinion  in  Nicaragua, 
not  even  the  unpopular  and  dis- 
credited authority  of  a  Govern- 
ment sustained  by  sheer  violence; 
the  actual  National  Congress  has 
disowned  Mr.  Diaz  as  a  ruler  and 
declared  him  to  be  a  traitor  to 
the  Republic  for  having  request- 
ed, in  order  to  support  himself  in 
the  Presidency,  the  cooperation 
of  American  soldiers.  Conse- 
quently, a  powerful  and  honor- 
able Government,  as  is  yours, 
must  not  pay  any  attention  to 
the  humiliating  supplications  for 
support  addressed  to  it  in  order  to 
induce  it  to  violate  the  sovereign- 
ty and  the  principles  of  interna- 
tional law,  by  a  spurious  son  of  a 
country  who  denies  him  its  sym- 
pathy and  even  his  rights  of  citi- 
zenship, calling  him  a  traitor. 

The  announcement  that  has 
been  made  of  new  landings  of 
American  troops  in  Nicaragua  has 
roused  deep  suspicion  and  serious 
anxiety  in  Central  America,  and 

Erobably  also  in  the  rest  of  the 
atin- American  Republics.  The 
aforesaid  facts  and  rumors  have 
already  produced  great  irritation 
among  the  people  of  Nicaragua, 
and  it  is  easy  to  forecast  that,  far 


NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 


85 


de  obtenerse  la  paz,  lo  que  se 
lograra  es  que  en  aquel  infortu- 
nado  pais  la  guerra  se  generalice, 
feroz  y  sanguinaria,  piles  todos, 
unanimemente,  pelearian  contra 
un  regimen  que  rechaza  la  opinion 
publica  y  que  no  podria  sostenerse 
sino  mediante  el  establecimiento 
de  cuarteles  permanentes  de  tro- 
pas  americanos. 


$A  que  titulo  interviene  el  Go- 
bierno  de  los  Estados  Unidos  en 
Nicaragua?  &Por  sentimientos 
de  humanidad?  Pero  entonces 
los  medios  no  corresponden  al  fin. 
El  Departamento  de  Estado  de- 
biera  saber  que  para  tales  casos  el 
Derecho  Internacional  indica  el 
recurso  a  los  buenos  oficios,  a  las 
gestiones  puramente  diplomati- 
cas.  No  es  ultrajandole  con  el 
envio  de  soldados  extranjeros 
como  se  ejercen,  en  favor  de  un 
pais  autonomo,  los  sentimientos 
de  humanidad.  Centro  America 
no  se  halla  todavia  bajo  los  aus- 
spicios  de  la  Enmienda  Platt. 

Washington,  Libertador;  Lin- 
coln, Redentor;  Carnegie,  Fi- 
lantropo;  Edison,  Inventor;  Root, 
predicador  en  Sud  America  de  la 
iraternidad  continental,  repre- 
sentan  para  nosotros  la  civiliza- 
cion  americana.  Pero  con  ella  es 
incompatible  la  politica  actual 
del  Departamento  de  Estado, 
respecto  a  Nicaragua,  que  se  nos 
antoja  como  la  sombra  de  William 
Walker  haciendo  de  la  Casa 
Blanca  su  cuartel  general. 

Pedimos  a  usted,  Senor  Mi- 
nis tro,  que  se  sirva  transmitir 
al  Gobierno  de  Washington 
nuestra  viva  protesta  contra  la 
ocupacion  militar  de  Nicaragua 
por  soldados  norteamericanos  y 
nuestra  solicitud  humanitaria  y 
patriotica  de  que  los  mande 
retirar  del  suelo  centroamericano, 
para  tranquilidad  de  estos  paises 
angustiados  por  la  guerra. 


from  obtaining  peace,  the  military 
coercion  on  behalf  of  the  Ameri- 
can Government  would  only  suc- 
ceed in  propagating  war,  fierce 
and  sanguinary  war,  as  all  unani- 
mously would  fight  to  the  end 
against  a  regimen  which  is  repelled 
by  public  opinion,  and  which 
could  not  be  maintained  unless 
by  means  of  the  establishment  of 
permanent  quarters  of  American 
soldiers  in  the  country. 

Under  what  pretense  does  the 
Government  of  the  United  States 
intervene  ? 

For  the  sake  of  humanity  ? 

But  then  the  means  do  not  cor- 
respond to  the  end.  The  State 
Department  should  know  that  in 
such  cases  international  law  indi- 
cates recourse  to  good  offices  or  to 
proceedings  of  a  purely  diplo- 
matic order.  Outraging  a  nation 
by  landing  foreign  soldiers  is  not 
the  way  of  showing  sentiments  of 
humanity  toward  that  country. 
Central  America  is  not  yet  placed 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Platt 
amendment. 

Washington,  the  Liberator, 
Lincoln,  the  Redeemer,  Carnegie, 
the  Philanthropist,  Edison,  the 
Inventor,  Root,  the  Preacher  of 
Continental  Fraternity  in  South 
America,  represent  in  our  mind 
American  Civilization.  But  with 
it  we  deem  incompatible  the 
.  present  policy  of  the  State  De- 
partment regarding  Nicaragua, 
policy  which  seems  to  us  the 
phantom  of  William  Walker  es- 
tablishing his  headquarters  in  the 
White  House. 

We  beg  you,  Mr.  Minister,  to 
transmit  to  the  Washington  Gov- 
ernment our  vigorous  protest  on 
account  of  the  military  occupa- 
tion of  Nicaragua  by  North 
American  soldiers,  and  our  patri- 
otic request  that  they  be  with- 
drawn from  Central  American 
soil  for  the  greater  tranquility  of 
these  war-beaten  countries. 


86 


NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 


La  paz  sera  imposible  si  se  Peace  will  never  be  obtainable 
quiere  obtener  en  la  f  orma  violenta  in  the  violent  shape  of  military 
de  una  ocupacion  militar.  Haced  occupation.  Let  the  State  De- 
saber,  senor  Ministro,  al  De-  partment  know,  Mr.  Minister, 
partamento  de  Estado,  que  las  that  the  trampling  of  foreign 
pisadas  del  legionario  extranjero  legions  upon  ^ — '~~1  A :  — 


en  el  suelo  nacional  de  Centro 
America,  repercuten  en  todo  el 
Continente;  que  no  queremos 


Central  American 
land  reechoes  through  the  whole 
continent;  that  we  do  not  want 
to  be  the  Poland  of  America,  and 


ser  la  Polonia  de  America  y  que  el  that  the  maintenance  of  amicable 
mantenimiento  de  las  relaciones  relations  between  both  nations, 
amistosas  entre  pueblo  y  pueblo,  demands  from  the  United  States 
exige,  de  parte  de  los  Estados  a  respectful  impartiality  and  ob- 
Unidos,  una  respetuosa  imparci-  liges  them  to  discontinue  pro- 
alidad  y  le  obliga  a  no  seguir  pro-  tecting  with  troops  of  the  Amer- 
tegiendo,  con  fuerzas  del  Ejercito  ican  Army  a  Government  which 
Norteamericano,  a  un  gobierno  has  been  disauthorized  as  traitor- 
desautorizado  por  traidor  y  cuya  ous  and  the  continuation  of 
continuacion  se  lograria  solo  which  could  only  be  obtained 
ahogando  en  sangre  y  consumi-  drowning  in  blood  and  exhaust- 
endo  por  el  exterminio  el  senti-  ing  by  extermination  the  senti- 
miento  patriotico  del  pueblo  que  ments  of  patriotism  of  the  people 

who  repel  such  regimen. 

For  the  sake  of  humanity,  jus- 
tice and  righteousness,  we  hope 
that  your  Government  will  listen 


lo  repudia. 

Por  Humanidad,  por  Justicia 
y  por  Derecho,  esperamos  que  su 
Gobierno  escuchara  nuestra  voz 
de  protesta  y  nuestro  justo  re- 


to  our  outcry  of  protest  and  our 


clamo,  en  esta  hora  de  angustiosa  just  plea,   in  this  hour  of  deep 

ansiedad  para  Centro  America.  anxiety  for  Central  America. 

Somos  del  senor  Ministro  muy  We  remain  Your  Excellency's 

respetuosos  servidores,  obedient  servant, 

J.  Irias,  Rodolfo  Espinosa,  Alejandro  Bermudez,  Alceo 
Hazera,  Salvador  Cerda,  Emilio  Espinosa,  Clodomiro 
Urcuyo,  Jose  D.  Portocarrero,  L.  Rodriguez,  Fran- 
cisco Mayorga  R.,  Virgilio  Salazar,  Victor  Lopez 
Baltodano,Herm6genesAviles  P.,  Manuel  MayorgaH., 
Samuel  Santos,  Pedro  Alvarado,  Ecateo  Torres,  Jose  M? 
Blanco,  Salvador  Gurdian,  Transito  Ampie,  Alfonso 
Arcai,  Daniel  Artola,  Constantino  Jessel,  Rafael  Balde- 
lomar,  Leonardo  Montalban,  Francisco  Jimenez,  Othon 
P.  Torres,  Rigoberto  Cabezas  L.,  Rodolfo  Zamera  B., 
Joaquin  Baldelomar,  MarceJino  Arcia,  Fermin  Lara, 
Julio  Perez,  N.  Vallecillo,  Jose  Tobias  Mendez,  D. 
Hernandez,  Teodoro  J.  Marin,  Bernardo  Ortega,  C. 
Hernaldo  Ibarra,  Ag.  Herrera,  Tomas  Cabezas,  Sal- 
vador Garcia,  Gustavo  Cabezas,  Franco.  Zapata, 
Nicasio  Payan,  C.  Castillo,  Julio  Guillen,  Manuel 
Romero,  Juan  P.  Morales,  Eliseo  Martinez,  Jesus  Leza- 
ma,  Arejino  Acufia,  Jose  M>  Lopez,  Jose  M?  Abarca,  M. 
Lindo,  Jose  Manuel  Lopez,  Ignacio  Padilla,  Manuel 
Cisneros,  Samuel  Guevara,  Marcos  Lezama,  Manuel 
Mendoza,  Pilar  Mendez,  Joaquin  Cabezas,  Filadelfo 
Ulloa,  Romulo  Sanchez,  Lucas  Cubillo,  Alberto  Lara, 
Juan  M.  Ramirez,  Ricardo  Salinas,  Rafael  Membreno, 


NICARAGUA]*  AFFAIRS.  87 

Hilario  Guillen,  Leopoldo  Cisneros,  Salomon  Acuna, 
Laureano  Leiva,  Ricardo  Noguera,  Arturo  Cabezas 
L.,  J.  Antonio  Barrios,  Pedro  Fernandez,  Antonio 
Garreta,  Francisco  Rojas,  Justo  Rpcha,  Leopoldo 
Delgado,  Juan  R.  Torres,  Emilio  Alvarez,  Manuel 
Moreira,  Ramon  Brenes,  Jose  Eugenio  Chavarria, 
Basilio  Guido,  Panfilo  Cortes,  M.  Salvador  Salgado, 
Pascual  Morales,  Ramon  Salgado,  Antonio  Roque, 
Juan  Rafael  Herradora  (Nicaraguenses). 
Manuel  Dieguez,  Eduardo  Vazquez  Garrido,  Teofilo  Jime- 
nez, Jose  Carter,  Higinio  Aguilera,  Juan  J.  Rivera, 
Fabio  Padilla  R.,  Samuel  Orantes,  Jose  Minera, 
Andres  Yela,  Amado  Jimenez,  J.  Miguel  Noguera, 
Ignacio  Estrada,  Manuel  Lopez,  Pedro  Duarte,  Nor- 
berto  Jimenez,  Aquilino  Osorio,  Lisandro  Noguera, 
Antonio  Sagastume,  M.  Chinchilla,  Liberto  Domin- 

fuez,  Jacinto  Bernal,  Pedro  Ruiz,  Gregorio  Lopez, 
ose  Carpio,  Segundo  Sandoval,  Gilberto  Minera, 
Eduardo  Mayora.  Firmo  la  protesta  que  antecede 
de  acuerdo  con  la  salveded  hecha  por  el  senor  don 
Jose  Maria  Zeledon,  Julio  Padilla  (Guatemaltecos) . 

Abraham  Perdomo  Herrera,  Rosendo  Amaya,  J.  P.  Rod- 
riguez, L.  M.  Anduray,  Juan  Ruiz,  Francisco  Mun- 
fuia,  Ramon  Aguilar  B.,  Tiburcio  Carrasco,  P.  Lopez, 
lanuel  Zavaleta,  Castulo  Aguirre,  Ernesto  Canton, 
L.  Cano,  Juan  Perez,  Francisco  Hernandez  (Salva- 
dor enos). 

D.  Gutierrez,  h.,  Luis  Cubero,  Ruperto  Lopez,  F.  Aguilar, 
J.  M.  Turcios,  Antonio  Ardon,  L.  M.  Reina,  Juan 
Rojas,  R.  Duran,  Francisco  Diaz  F.  (Hondurenos). 

Rosendo  del  Valle,  Manuel  Boloy,  Enrique  G.  Lopez 
(Cubanos). 

Alejandro  Rivas  Vazquez,  P.  J.  Jugo  Delgado,  L.  Lopez 
Rivero,  P.  M.  Caballero,  Fremio  A.  Valarino,  C6sar 
Rivero  Trujillo,  J.  M.  Lugo  Diaz,  I.  Gonzalez  P., 
Gregorio  Martinez,  Rafael  Maldonado,  Antonio 
Crespo,  Victor  Silva  R  angel,  Antonio  Rivas  Duran, 
Rafael  Diaz  Altuve,  Manuel  A.  Sanchez  ( Venezolanos} . 

Miguel  Macaya,  M.  Pena  V.,  F.  E.  Beltran,  Rafael  Lafont, 
Hermogenes  Rodriguez,  h.,  Clemente  Rodriguez,  B., 
J.  P.  Rodriguez  B.,  Arturo  Rodriguez  C.,  Julio  Rodri- 
guez, Ramon  Benedettis  B.,  S.  Arboleda  Lemos,  Jose" 
Maria  Castillo,  Abraham  Gonzalez,  Antonio  J.  Cas- 
tillo, M.  Hernandez  Nunez,  F.  Alvarez  P.,  Ezequiel 
Bampante,  Sebastian  Pachon  M.,  Alejandro  Beleno  J., 
Romualdo  Roa  E,,  Manuel  F.  Palomo,  Manuel  Briceno, 
Alberto  Calderon,  F.  Restrepo  Gomez,  H.  Beltran, 
Roberto  Rodriguez  A.,  Nicolas  Buitrago  S.,  Heliodoro 
Carrasquilla  A.,  J.  E.  Braddock,  Daniel  Acevedo, 
L.  C.  Rodriguez,  Marco  A.  Carrillo,  Higinio  Beltran, 
J.  Fonseca  S.,  Joaquin  Lopera  Berrio,  Mario  Zamo- 
rano.  (Colombianos.) 

F.  Noboa,  Alberto  B.  Ceballos.     (Ecuatorianos.) 

Nephtali  M.  Castillo.     (Peruano.) 


88  NICARAGUAN   AFFAIRS. 

Luis  Cruz  Meza,  F.  A.  Tinoco,  Manuel  Goto  Fernandez, 
Manuel  Lujan,  Ricardo  Goto  Fernandez,  Octayio 
Castro  Saborio,  Jorge  Morales  Bejarano,  Federico 
Zumbado,  R.  Cruz  Meza,  Jose  Fabio  Gamier,  Juan 
Alfaro,  Jose  Fermin  Meza,  S.  Pastor,  h.,  M.  Gamez 
Monge,  J.  Raul  Marin  Varela,  J.  Buenaventura  Mora, 
J.  D.  Gamez  Monge,  V.  Fernandez,  Guillermo  Casaola, 
Julio  de  Barruel,  Ricardo  Fournier  Q.,  J.  Castillo 
Castro,  J.  Montero,  Federico  Fernandez  G.,  Maxi- 
miliano  Gurdian,  Manuel  A.  Verdesia,  Domingo 
Monge,  Raul  Gurdian,  Prospero  Fernandez  G.,  Raul 
M.  Diaz,  Julio  A.  Gurdian,  J.  Garcia  Monge,  Omar 
Dengo,  Lesmes  Saurez  P.,  Manuel  Angel  Peraza, 
Guillermo  Zuniga  Z.,  Raul  Fernandez  Giiell,  Rafael 
Salas,  h.,  J.  J.  Valladares,  Joaquin  Viquez,  J.  F.  Val- 
ladares,  Procopio  Castro,  Jorge  Rojas  Z.,  Felix 
Borbon  M.,  Leo.  Montealegre,  V.  Trejos,  Rafael 
Zamora  G.,  Ramon  Rivera,  Enrique  Brenes,  Ramon 
Chaverri,  Bernardo  Gonzalez  Alfaro,  Tobias  Fibres 
Castro,  Juan  C.  Marin,  Isaias  Bermudez  B.,  Abel  Pani- 
agua, Ricardo  Portilla,  Gonzalo  Sotela  B.,  J.  Joaquin 
Rios  A.,  Domingo  Aguilar,  Guillermo  Solano,  Santi- 
ago Romero,  Perdo  Jimenez,  Gabriel  Munoz. 

Como  latinoamericano,  juzgo  la  intervencion  armada  un  golpe 
artero  a  la  soberania  de  estos  pueblos  y  un  ensayo  de  su  futura  con- 
quista. — G.  MATAMOROS. 

Viendo  en  la  actual  intervencion,  no  un  acto  de  humanidad,  sino 
de  aspiracion  puramente  dominadora,  me  adhiero  con  todo  gusto  a  la 
protesta  que  antecede. — F.  MUNOZ  DIAZ. 

La  intervencion  yankee,  armada,  es  por  si  sola  motivo  mas  que 
suficiente  para  adherirme,  como  me  adhiero,  a  la  protesta  que  ante- 
cede. — A.  CHAVERRI  MATAMOROS. 

Contribuyo  con  gusto  a  la  protesta  que  aqui  se  hace,  aun  cuando  no 
pueda  aceptar  sus  terminos  generates.  La  civilizacion  nortearneri- 
cana  esta  representada  para  mi  en  sus  pensadores  y  sus  libertadores, 
no  en  sus  politicps  ni  en  sus  falsos  filantropos.  Tan  traidor  es  para 
mi  el  actual  Presidente  de  Nicaragua,  como  el  que  trata  de  sustituirlo. 
Y  no  es  para  mi  el  mayor  estigma  que  pueda  lanzarse  contra  la  inter- 
vencion americana  el  obedecer  a  la  llamada  de  un  gobierno  6  de  un 
partido  calificados  de  traidores.  La  intervencion  armada  es  por  si 
misma  oprobiosa,  sin  necesidad  de  otros  motives. — JOSE  MARIA 
ZELEDON.  (Costarricenses.) 

[Translation.] 

LATIN     AMERICA     AGAINST     YANKEE     IMPERIALISM — COLLECTIVE     PRO- 
TEST   AGAINST    THE    MILITARY    OCCUPATION    OF    NICARAGUA. 

The  English  of  the  protest  is  seen  on  the  right  of  the  page.  After 
the  first  group  of  signatures  should  be  written  (Nicaraguans) ;  after 
the  second  (Guatemalans) ;  after  the  third  (Salvadoreans) ;  after  the 
fourth  (Hondurans) ;  after  the  fifth  (Cubans) ;  after  the  sixth 
(Venezuelans);  after  the  seventh  (Colombians);  after  the  eighth 
(Ecuadorians) ;  after  the  ninth  (Peruvians). 


NICAKAGUAN  AFFAIBS.  89 

After  thejjlast  group  of  names  the  following  should  be  written: 

As  a  Latin- American,  I  look  upon  armed  intervention  as  a  death- 
blow to  the  sovereignty  of  these  peoples  and  a  move  in  the  direction  of 
their  future  conquest. — G.  Matamoras. 

Seeing  in  the  present  intervention  not  an  act  of  humanity  but  an 
attempt  at  domination,  I  gladly  subscribe  to  the  above  protest. — - 
F.  Mufioz  Diaz. 

Armed  Yankee  intervention  is  itself  reason  enough  for  my  signing 
the  above  protest. — A.  Chaverri  Matamoros. 

I  gladly  sign  this  protest,  though  I  can  not  accept  its  general  terms. 
North  American  civilization  is  for  me  represented  by  its  thinkers 
.and  liberators,  not  by  its  politicians  nor  its  false  philanthropists. 
The  actual  President  to  Nicaragua  is,  to  my  view,  as  much  a  traitor 
as  the  man  who  is  trying  to  substitute  him.  And  for  me  the  greatest 
stigma  with  which  American  intervention  can  be  branded  is  not  that 
it  obeyed  the  call  of  a  traitorous  Government  or  party.  Armed 
intervention  is  in  itself  opprobrious,  without  giving  other  reasons. — 
Jose  Maria  Zeledon.  (Costa  Ricans.) 

This  protest  was  widely  published  in  our  press. — M.  C. 

Senator  FALL.  Also  a  clipping  from  a  newspaper  said  to  be  the 
Independiente,  printed  in  the  Republic  of  Salvador,  containing  an 
interview  with  Mr.  William  Heimke,  minister  of  the  United  States, 
with  comment  thereupon,  the  same  being  printed  in  Spanish,  as 
follows : 

[El  Yndependende,  San  Salvador,  Sept.  10, 1912.] 
DECLARACIONES   DEL   MINISTRO   AMERICANO. 

Un  caballero  digno  de  toda  fe,  nos  ha  referido  que  el  5  del  mes  en 
curso,  visit  aba  Mr.  William  Heimke,  ministro  de  los  Estados  Unidos, 
a  cierta  persona  caracterizada,  y  que  esta  llevo  la  conversation  a 
las  noticias  que  circulaban  en  aquella  tarde  de  que  los  americanos 
habian  ocupado  Chinandega.  Leon  y  otros  lugares  del  interior  de 
Nicaragua,  forzando  las  resistencias  que  les  opusieron  las  fuerzas 
revolucionarios ;  que  entonces  el  Representante  de  los  Estados  Unidos 
le  contesto  que  no  era  cierto  cuanto  se  decia  y  que  el  tenia  comuni- 
cacion  cablegrafica  con  su  Gobierno  y  con  los  buques  que  estaban  en 
Corinto  y  podia  asegurarle  bajo  su  palabra  de  honor  de  caballero^y 
de  funcionario  que  no  habia  un  solo  americano  armado  ni  en  Leon 
ni  en  Chinandega,  ni  en  las  demas  poblaciones  del  interior  de  Nicara- 
gua, con  excepcion  de  la  guardia  de  marinos  que  custodiaba  la  legacion 
en  Managua.  Las  fuerzas  de  desembarcque  estan — agrego — en 
Corinto  y  San  Juan  del  Sur  solamente  para  garantizar  las  mercade- 
rias  y  valores  de  propiedad  americana  para  mientras  los  revoluciona- 
rios pueden  ser  considerados  con  calma  y  energia  bastantes  para 
haceno.  Los  americanos  no  pueden  dispar  un  solo  tiro  contra  los 
nativos  de  un  pais  amigo  sin  el  permiso  previo  del  Senado,  y  este  no 
puede  darlo  tampoco  sin  que  antes  le  dirija  un  mensaje  especial  el 
rresidente  de  la  Republica,  cosa  que  no  se  ha  hecho,  ni  creo  se  hara. 
Las  fuerzas  de  desembarque  en  Nicaragua  podran  defenderse  y 
repeler  toda  agresion,  si  desgraciadamente  las  acometiesen  los  revo- 
lucionarios; pero  de  alii  no  pasaran,  y  hasta  esta  fecha  tengo  seguridad 
de  que  nadie  las  ha  agredido. 


90  NICARAGUA^   AFFAIRS. 

No  dudamos  que  lo  afirmado  por  el  senor  ministro  de  Estados 
Unidos,  sea  cierto  con  respecto  a  la  presencia  de  tropas  de  su  pais 
en  otras  plazas  que  Managua,  Corinto  y  San  Jaun  del  Sur;  pero  en 
cuanto  a  la  intervencion  es  un  hecho.  Por  carta  particular  de  una 
persona  importante  de  Nicaragua  a  un  amigo  nuestro,  sabemos  que 
la  situacion  de  aquel  infortunado  pais  no  puede  ser  mas  calimitoso. 
Los  viveres  se  ban  escaseado  de  tai  manera,  que  las  personas  regular- 
mente  acomodadas  gastan  hoy  diez  veces  mas  de  lo  que  antes  gasta- 
ban,  viviendo  miserablemente ;  que  los  americanos  se  ban  apoderado 
completamente  del  gobierno  de  la  Republica,  y  C[ue  estan  dispuestos 
a  hacer  triunfar  a  Diaz  a  despecho  de  la  oposicion  que  le  hace  el 
pueblo  entero  de  Nicaragua:  que  en  esa  situacion,  hasta  los  que  antes 
se  mostraban  indiferentes  y  no  tomaban  parte  en  asuntos  politicos 
hoy  simpatizan  con  los  revolucionarios,  teniendo  casi  por  seguros 
que  la  autonomia  de  Nicaragua  esta  para  concluir. 

Los  marinos  no  dejan  que  los  revolucionarios  ataquen  a  Managua, 
haci6ndolos  que  permanezcan  en  sus  campamentos,  con  el  pretexto 
de  que  no  se  perjudiquen  sus  in  tereses.  Se  ve  clarament  que  estan 
propuestos  a  que  ago  ten  no  solo  sus  municiones  de  guerra  sino  princi- 
palmente  los  medios  de  subsistencia,  para  que  se  entreguen. 

Si  esa  no  es  intervencion,  no  comprendemos  lo  que  sea. 

[Translation.] 
[From  the  Independiente,  San  Salvador,  Sept.  10, 1912.] 

A  gentleman  worthy  of  credence  has  informed  us  that  on  the  5th 
instant  Mr.  William  Heimke,  minister  of  the  United  States,  visited  a 
person  of  standing  who  spoke  of  the  report  in  circulation  that  after- 
noon that  the  Americans  ha<l  occupied  Chinandega,  Leon,  and  other 
places  in  the  interior  of  Nicaragua,  overcoming  by  force  the  resistance 
offered  by  the  revolutionary  forces ;  that  thereupon  the  representative 
of  the  United  States  stated  that  the  reports  were  not  true;  that  he  was 
in  cablegraphic  communication  with  his  Government  and  with  the 
ships  in  Corinto  and  could  state  on  his  word  of  honor  as  a  gentleman 
and  official  that  there  was  not  a  single  armed  American  in  Leon  or 
Chinandega,  nor  in  other  towns  in  the  interior  of  Nicaragua,  except- 
ing the  guard  of  marines  at  the  legation  in  Managua.  The  forces 
landed  in  Corinto  and  San  Juan  del  Sur,  he  added,  are  solely  to  pro- 
tect American  merchandise  and  property  until  the  revolutionists  be- 
come sufficiently  calm  and  energetic  to  do  so.  The  Americans  can 
not  fire  a  single  shot  against  the  natives  of  a  friendly  country  without 
previous  authorization  of  the  Senate,  and  this  can  not  be  given  except 
the  President  first  sends  to  it  a  special  message,  which  he  has  not  done, 
and  J  believe  will  not  do.  The  forces  landed  in  Nicaragua  can  defend 
themselves  and  repel  any  aggression  if,  unfortunately,  the  revolu- 
tionists should  assume  the  aggressive;  but  they  will  not  go  further, 
and  I  am  assured  that  up  to  this  time  nobody  has  assumed  the  ott'en- 
sive. 

We  doubt  not  that  what  the  minister  of  the  United  States  affirms 
is  true  respecting  the  presence  of  troops  in  other  towns  than  Managua, 
Corinto,  and  San  Juan  del  Sur;  but  regarding  intervention  it  is  a  fact. 
Froni  a  personal  letter  from  a  prominent  person  in  Nicaragua  to  a 
friend  of  ours  we  learn  that  the  situation  of  that  unfortunate  country 
could  not  be  more  calamitous.  Provisions  have  become  so  scarce 


NICAKAGUAF  AFFAIRS.  91 

that  it  costs  10  times  as  much  to-day  to  live  miserably  as  it  did  before 
to  live  well;  that  the  Americans  have  taken  complete  possession  of 
the  Government  of  the  Republic,  and  that  they  are  determined  that 
Diaz  shall  win  in  spite  of  the  opposition  of  the  entire  Nicaraguan 
people;  that  in  the  present  situation  even  those  who  before  were  in- 
different and  took  no  part  in  political  matters  now  favor  the  revolu- 
tionists, it  being  almost  certain  that  the  autonomy  of  Nicaragua  is 
about  to  be  ended. 

The  marines  do  not- allow  the  revolutionists  to  attack  Managua, 
compelling  them  to  remain  in  their  camps,  under  the  pretext  of  not 
prejudicing  their  interests.  It  is  plainly  evident  that  they  propose 
not  only  to  exhaust  their  munitions  of  war,  but  principally  the  means 
of  subsistence  and  force  them  to  surrender. 

If  this  is  not  intervention,  we  do  not  comprehend  what  it  is. 

Senator  FALL.  The  witness  has  also  presented  to  the  committee  a 
note  of  Mr.  Knox,  directed  to  the  minister  of  Nicaragua  in  Washing- 
ton, under  the  Zelaya  administration,  which  note  was  handed  to  that 
minister,  together  with  his  papers,  and  which  is  not  made  a  part  of 
the  record,  as  the  same  can  be  obtained  from  the  State  Department. 
The  witness  has  also  presented  to  the  committee  certain  letters  passing 
between  Admiral  Kimball  and  President  Madriz  of  Nicaragua, 
simply  tending  to  show  the  spirit  of  harmony  existing  between  the 
American  admiral  and  President  Madriz. 

In  addition  to  the  two  letters  which  were  first  offered  to  the  com- 
mittee, showing  the  employment  of  Mr.  Leets  under  President  Zelaya 
and  under  President  Madriz,  he  also  offers  a  letter  from  the  minister 
Carbijal  y  Rosas,  one  of  the  members  of  the  cabinet  of  President  de 
la  Barra  of  Mexico,  under  date  of  December  10,  1911,  which  he  offers 
in  connection  with  the  two  letters  spoken  of  to  show  the  standing  of 
the  witness  and  the  estimation  in  which  he  is  held  by  those  who  know 
him.  This  letter  is  as  follows; 

MEXICO,  10  de  diciembre,  1911. 
Sr.  D.  JUAN  LEETZ,  Presente. 

Mi  QUERIDO  AMIGO:  Con  referenda  a  la  atenta  carta  de  V. 
recibida  ayer,  tengo  el  gusto  de  manifestable  que  cada  vez  estoy 
mas  satisfecho  de  mi  idea  de  aprovechar  los  valiosos  servicios  de 
V.  en  las  di versos  comisiones  que  se  le  han  confiado,  pues  por  el  tino 
y  la  discreci6n  que  ha  demonstrado  en  todas  sus  delicadas  labores 
ha  venido  a  convencerme,  mas  aun  de  lo  que  ya  estaba  convencido 
desde  la  epoca  en  que  pude  apreciar  de  cerca  sus  trabajos  en  Nica- 
ragua, de  que  en  V.  puede  encontrar  cualquier  Gobierno  6  cualquiera 
institucion  privada  un  colaborador  idoneo  para  todo  genero  de  empre- 
seas  por  dinciles  que  se  les  suponga. 

Crea  V.,  mi  estimado  amigo,  que  las  declaraciones  anteriores  son 
el  reflejo  fiel  del  concepto  en  que  con  toda  sinceridad  lo  tengo  desde 
que  tuve  la  grata  oportunidad  de  tratarlo  y  acepte  la  particular 
estimacion  con  que  soy  de  V.  afectisimo  amigo  y  servidor. 

B.  CARBAJAL  Y  ROSAS. 


92  NICARAGUA^  AFFAIRS. 

[Translation.] 
B.  CARBAJAL  Y  ROSAS   TO   JUAN  LEETZ. 

MEXICO,  December  10,  1911. 
Mr.  JUAN  LEETZ,  Presente. 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND:  Referring  to  your  esteemed  letter  received 
yesterday.  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  I  am  more  and 
more  satisfied  with  my  idea  of  profiting  by  your  valued  services  along 
the  lines  of  the  several  commissions  that  have  been  entrusted  to  you, 
for  the  ability  and  discretion  you  have  displayed  in  your  delicate 
labors  has  convinced  me,  even  more  than  when  I  knew  your  work 
intimately  in  Nicaragua,  that  any  Government  or  private  institution 
would  find  in  you  an  able  collaborator  in  whatever  business,  however 
difficult  it  might  appear. 

Be  assured,  my  esteemed  friend,  that  the  foregoing  statements 
reflect  the  sincere  opinions  which  I  have  held  ever  since  making  your 
acquaintance. 

Accept  the  assurance  of  my  especial  esteem  and  believe  me, 
Your  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 

B.  CARBAJAL  Y  ROSAS. 

Senator  FALL.  The  witness  calls  attention  to  these  three  letters 
particularly  because  statements  have  been  made  in  the  public  press 
or  elsewhere  that  he  has  been  engaged  in  revolutionary  movements  in 
Nicaragua.  Have  you  been  engaged  in  any  revolutionary  move- 
ments down  there  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  Not  in  Nicaragua.  I  have  been  a  government  official 
and  I  have  not  engaged  in  any  of  these  revolutions.  I  was  in  govern- 
ment employ. 

Senator  FALL.  Were  you  engaged  in  the  Estrada  revolution  or  in 
any  revolution  against  him? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir. 

Senator  FALL.  Were  you  engaged  in  the  recent  revolution  of  the 
Mena  or  liberal  party  against  Diaz  ? 

Mr.  LEETS.  No,  sir. 

At  4.30  o'clock  the  subcommittee  adjourned. 


X 


